Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the shooting incident involving a Venezuelan migrant in north Minneapolis on Wednesday night. The altercation occurred as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers attempted to apprehend the migrant, identified as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.
Details of the Incident
According to various accounts, Sosa-Celis was allegedly attempting to evade ICE agents when he was shot in the leg. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Sosa-Celis crashed into a parked car and resisted arrest after fleeing from federal officers. Following the incident, two men reportedly emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked one of the officers with a snow shovel and a broom handle.
Eyewitness Accounts
Cell phone footage shared by Democratic state Senator Erin Maye Quade shows chaotic scenes after the shootout. In the video, a woman is heard calling 911 to report that her husband was shot in front of their family. This account differs from the DHS version, which claims the officer acted in self-defense after fearing for his life.
Aftermath of the Shooting
Both the ICE officer and Sosa-Celis were hospitalized following the incident. This shooting marks the second involving ICE in less than a week. A previous fatal shooting occurred on January 7, where Renee Good was killed by an ICE officer, escalating tensions in the Twin Cities.
Protests and Civil Unrest
In the wake of Wednesday’s shooting, protests erupted throughout Minneapolis. ICE has deployed nearly 3,000 agents in the area, contributing to rising tensions. During one protest, federal agents unleashed chemical agents on demonstrators without warning.
- The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information regarding stolen government property from a vandalized federal vehicle.
- One suspect connected to the theft has been arrested and reportedly possesses a violent criminal history.
- The stolen items included FBI body armor and weaponry.
Government Response
Amid the unrest, President Trump threatened to enact the Insurrection Act if the situation was not contained, highlighting the federal government’s stance on maintaining order. Conversely, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged both the President and protesters to opt for peaceful demonstrations to prevent further chaos.
The situation in Minneapolis remains fluid, with more developments expected in the ongoing saga surrounding immigration enforcement and local tensions.
