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 stated that the unnamed officers were placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. Lying under oath is a serious federal offence, Lyons remarked. The scrutiny came after charges were dropped against two men previously accused of attacking the officers.
The Department of Homeland Security originally claimed that a federal officer shot a man in the leg after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle by three migrants on January 14. However, Lyons indicated that video evidence suggests the sworn statements provided by the officers may have been inaccurate.
In a statement on Friday, Lyons confirmed that the US Attorney's Office is actively investigating the matter and noted that the officers could face termination and possible criminal prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation. Initially, the DHS described the incident as occurring after a car chase involving a Venezuelan national who was in the country illegally.
As the confrontation escalated, the agency stated that while the law enforcement officer struggled with the main suspect, two others emerged from an apartment to attack him. The officer, fearing for his safety, allegedly fired defensive shots. The aftermath saw all three individuals arrested by law enforcement.
The incident has sparked significant backlash, with remarks from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighting the injuries sustained by the officer involved. The situation has drawn critical commentary on social media regarding civil disorder and the actions of state officials.
