DOJ Moves to Drop Charges After ICE Testimony Disputed
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss charges with prejudice after video evidence contradicted sworn statements by two ICE agents, who now face administrative leave and possible criminal prosecution.
Overview
The Justice Department filed a motion to dismiss criminal charges against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, and a judge granted the request on Friday, citing newly discovered evidence materially inconsistent with the allegations.
Videos and family accounts contradicted the Department of Homeland Security's Jan. 15 statement that Sosa-Celis drove, ambushed an agent with a shovel and broom and was hit in the leg on Jan. 14.
ICE acting director Todd Lyons said a joint ICE-DOJ review of video evidence revealed sworn testimony by two officers appeared to be untruthful and the officers were placed on administrative leave pending investigations.
The case arose during Operation Metro Surge, an enforcement campaign that deployed about 3,000 federal agents and led to more than 4,000 arrests, according to officials cited in the reports.
The dismissal was with prejudice, prosecutors said, and Lyons said the officers may face termination and potential criminal prosecution as the Justice Department continues its investigation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story skeptically toward ICE/DHS by foregrounding inconsistent official accounts, video evidence, and a rare prosecutor motion to dismiss. Editorial choices — selection and ordering of details, plus prominence for defense and prosecutorial statements — cast doubt on the initial law-enforcement narrative; quoted claims remain source content.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Video evidence contradicted the ICE officer's sworn testimony about the assault. Specifically, the video did not support the agent's account that he was attacked with a broom and snow shovel, and testimony from a neighbor and the defendants' romantic partners also contradicted the officer's claims about being assaulted or a third person being involved.
The two ICE officers have been placed on administrative leave pending completion of a thorough internal investigation. ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that the officers may face termination and potential criminal prosecution, as lying under oath is a serious federal offense.
Dismissal with prejudice means the charges cannot be refiled against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis. This more permanent form of dismissal was granted by U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson based on the U.S. Attorney's motion citing newly discovered evidence that was materially inconsistent with the prosecution's allegations.[1]
The incident occurred during Operation Metro Surge, an enforcement campaign that deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents and resulted in more than 4,000 arrests. The operation took place on January 14, 2026, when ICE officers were conducting an enforcement action targeting Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who had illegally entered the United States from Venezuela in August 2022.
It is unclear whether the two men could still be deported. While the criminal charges have been dismissed with prejudice, their immigration status remains a separate legal matter that the article does not definitively address.[2]
History
This story does not have any previous versions.