Federal Agents Accused of Providing False Testimony on Migrant Shooting in Minneapolis

Sun Feb 15 2026 02:10:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Investigations reveal that two ICE agents may have lied about their involvement in a shooting incident involving a migrant in Minneapolis, prompting an internal inquiry by the Department of Homeland Security.

Two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been placed on administrative leave after allegations of providing false testimony regarding the shooting of a migrant in Minneapolis. As the investigation unfolds, video evidence suggests discrepancies in their accounts, leading to potential criminal charges for the officers involved. The incident, which took place in January, originally involved claims of an attack on officers, but the validity of those claims is now under scrutiny.

Two immigration agents may have made untruthful statements in sworn testimony about the shooting of a migrant in Minneapolis last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has said.

ICE acting director Todd Lyons said the two officers, who have not been named, were immediately placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

Lying under oath is a serious federal offence, Lyons said. On Friday, a judge granted a request to drop charges against two men who were accused of attacking the officers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially said a federal officer shot a man in the leg after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle by three migrants on 14 January.

On Friday, Lyons said in a statement that the two officers appeared to have provided inaccurate testimony, and that the US attorney's office was actively investigating the matter.

Video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements, he said.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the officers may face termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution, he added.

After the 14 January incident, the DHS issued a statement saying the shooting happened after a car chase involving a Venezuelan national who was in the country illegally. After the pursuit, the man got out of his car and an altercation broke out between him and the federal agent, it added.

While the subject and law enforcement were in a struggle on the ground, two individuals came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, as claimed by the agency.

The DHS statement claimed, As the officer was being ambushed and attacked by the two individuals, the original subject got loose and began striking the officer with a shovel or broom stick. The officer, fearing for his life, reportedly fired defensive shots, leading to arrests.

Shortly after the incident, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated an agent was beat up, bruised, injured, but was thankful to have survived. This incident has sparked further debate on law enforcement conduct and accountability in Minnesota.