A tense situation unfolded in Minneapolis Wednesday night, escalating into a confrontation between ICE agents and several individuals. The Department of Homeland Security has now released the identities of those involved in the initial attack on federal agents, all of whom are Venezuelan nationals.
The incident began with a targeted enforcement operation focusing on Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan man with a prior criminal record including driving without a license and providing false information to law enforcement. He had been released by local authorities despite an ICE detainer request, having entered the country in August 2022.
During the operation, Sosa-Celis allegedly attempted to assault federal officers, leading to an agent-involved shooting. He was struck in the leg and, remarkably, photographed smiling inside an ambulance following the incident. This image has quickly circulated, fueling further controversy.
Two other Venezuelan nationals were also identified as participants in the attack: Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna, who entered the U.S. in May 2023 and failed to appear for an immigration hearing, resulting in a final order of removal, and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, also entering in May 2023 and designated as a non-enforcement priority by the current administration.
The shooting sparked immediate and volatile protests. Demonstrators took to the streets, with some directing accusations at ICE agents, shouting epithets and creating a chaotic environment.
The unrest quickly turned destructive. Protesters targeted a federal agent’s vehicle, forcibly breaking into it and stealing a weapons locker containing a rifle and ammunition. Disturbing video footage shows a pickup truck used to rip the locker from the vehicle, while local police reportedly did not intervene.
The situation highlights a growing sense of vulnerability among federal agents operating in the area, with calls for additional support, even suggesting the need for Marine intervention. Residents are reportedly pleading for relief as the situation continues to deteriorate.
This series of events raises serious questions about border security, enforcement priorities, and the safety of law enforcement officers tasked with upholding federal immigration laws. The unfolding situation in Minneapolis is a stark illustration of the complex challenges facing the nation.
