MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge has dismissed felony assault charges against two Venezuelan immigrants after newly discovered evidence cast doubt on the government’s narrative, including the shooting of one man by an immigration officer. The decision, made by U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson, prevents the government from refiling the charges against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.

The dismissal request, submitted by U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, cited newly uncovered evidence that was inconsistent with earlier allegations made against the men during a recent court hearing. This unusual motion indicates a significant shift in the prosecution’s approach, emphasizing the importance of transparency in such cases, especially involving law enforcement actions.

Aljorna and Sosa-Celis expressed relief upon learning their charges had been dropped. Their attorney, Brian D. Clark, stated they were “overjoyed” and emphasized the serious consequences the men faced if convicted. He characterized the initial claims against them as based on falsehoods from an ICE officer who was involved in the shooting incident.

The incident in question occurred during a traffic stop attempt on January 14, which escalated when Aljorna allegedly crashed the vehicle and fled. While engaged with the officer, Sosa-Celis and another individual reportedly confronted the officer with makeshift weapons, prompting the officer to fire his weapon, striking Sosa-Celis. However, discrepancies in accounts from both the officer and witnesses have raised questions about the justification for the officer’s actions.

Conflicting accounts emerged in court, revealing significant inconsistencies between the immigration officer’s testimony and that of the defendants and several eyewitnesses. Video evidence also failed to corroborate the claims made by the officer regarding an assault involving a broom and a shovel.

Neither Aljorna nor Sosa-Celis had criminal records, and both were working as delivery drivers. Their attorneys noted that they had been taking precautions to avoid encounters with immigration authorities. Following the incident, the men sought refuge in a nearby home and eventually surrendered to avoid putting two young children inside at risk.

The aftermath of the incident has sparked scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics and their consequences in the Minneapolis area, recently experiencing a heightened focus on immigration enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s office has faced staffing challenges and decreased public communication following recent departures, complicating the dissemination of information regarding cases like that of Aljorna and Sosa-Celis.

As calls for accountability grow, Clark has urged for the identity of the ICE agent who shot Sosa-Celis to be publicly revealed, urging that the officer face repercussions for his actions. The ongoing debate over law enforcement conduct raises broader questions about immigration policy and public safety, inviting further examination of how these encounters unfold in the field.