Federal authorities announced an investigation on Friday into two immigration officers implicated in providing untruthful testimony regarding a controversial shooting that occurred last month in Minneapolis.
This investigation is part of a broader scrutiny into at least five shooting incidents where initial accounts from immigration officials were contradicted by emerging video evidence. Notably, it revisits the tragic shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of which have raised significant questions about law enforcement narratives following extensive public examination of the incidents.
The recent inquiry was initiated after a federal judge dismissed felony assault charges against two Venezuelans, accused of attacking an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer with a broom and snow shovel on January 14. The same officer had fired a shot, wounding one of the men, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.
Prosecutors, in an unusual turn, requested the dismissal of these charges, citing new video evidence that contradicted the officer’s allegations made during the case proceedings. These developments underline ongoing concerns regarding integrity and procedural accountability within immigration enforcement agencies.
A Closer Look at the Shooting Incidents
Here is a breakdown of how five key shooting incidents involving immigration officers were reported initially and what subsequent investigations revealed:
Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis Non-Fatal Shooting
Date: January 14, 2026, Minneapolis
Initial Report: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Sosa-Celis and others as having “ambushed” the officer, leading to the officer’s “defensive shot” out of fear for his life.
Investigation Outcome: Significant discrepancies emerged during a court hearing as the officer's testimony did not align with accounts from other witnesses and video evidence, showing no support for claims of assault.
Renee Good Fatal Shooting
Date: January 7, 2026, Minneapolis
Initial Report: Noem labeled the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism,” claiming Good attempted to ram the officers with her vehicle.
Revelation: Video evidence contradicted this narrative, with Good's actions captured on camera showing no aggressive behavior prior to the shooting.
Alex Pretti Fatal Shooting
Date: January 24, 2026, Minneapolis
Initial Report: Authorities claimed Pretti brandished a handgun and violently resisted arrest, prompting officers to fire in defense.
Investigation Outcome: Footage revealed Pretti was holding a phone, not a firearm, contradicting official statements regarding his behavior and the perceived threat he posed.
Silverio Villegas González Fatal Shooting
Date: September 12, 2025, suburban Chicago
Initial Report: Officials claimed Villegas González drove at officers and injured one, warranting a defensive response.
Discrepancy: Body camera evidence showed the aftermath of the shooting contradicted reports of serious injuries to the officer.
Marimar Martinez Non-Fatal Shooting
Date: October 14, 2025, Chicago
Initial Report: Authorities claimed Martinez drove aggressively towards law enforcement, prompting shots to be fired.
What Emerged: Evidence pointed towards a different narrative, leading to the dismissal of charges against Martinez.
This series of events has ignited public debate about the actions of law enforcement and the reliability of official accounts concerning use-of-force incidents, particularly those involving immigration enforcement agencies.
