Two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents face potential criminal prosecution following allegations they provided false sworn testimony regarding a January shooting incident involving a migrant in Minneapolis. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed both unnamed officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
The controversy stems from a January 14th altercation initially described by the Department of Homeland Security as an attack on federal officers. According to the original account, three migrants allegedly assaulted an agent with a shovel and broom handle during an arrest operation, prompting the officer to fire defensive shots that struck one migrant in the leg.
However, video evidence has contradicted the official narrative, revealing inconsistencies in the agents’ sworn testimony. This development led a judge to dismiss charges against two men accused of attacking the officers. Lyons emphasized that “lying under oath is a serious federal offense” and confirmed the U.S. Attorney’s office is conducting a separate investigation.
The incident sparked immediate political reactions, with U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche blaming Minnesota leadership for “encouraging violence against law enforcement” in a social media post. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously described the injured agent as “beat up, bruised, and injured” while expressing gratitude he survived the encounter.
ICE officials stated the agents could face termination and criminal charges depending on the investigation’s outcome. The case has drawn attention to accountability mechanisms within federal immigration enforcement and the verification processes for use-of-force incidents.