A targeted ICE traffic stop in Minneapolis escalated into a vehicle crash, foot chase and violent struggle, federal officials say. DHS alleges the officer was struck with a snow shovel and a broom handle during an ambush, prompting the officer to fire a defensive shot that struck one suspect in the leg. DHS identified the three detained men as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, all Venezuelan nationals now in ICE custody. The officer and one suspect were hospitalized and the case remains under federal review.
Three Venezuelan Nationals Arrested After ICE Officer Ambushed During Minneapolis Traffic Stop, DHS Says
ICE arrested three men who were allegedly involved in hitting an agent with a shovel during an enforcement operation.(Getty Images)
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer was critically injured after what federal officials describe as an ambush during a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the stop escalated into a vehicle crash, a foot chase and a violent struggle in which the officer was allegedly struck with a snow shovel and the handle of a broom.
What Happened
Federal agents say the incident began Wednesday evening when ICE officers attempted a targeted traffic stop to take into custody a Venezuelan national who, officials allege, had been released into the United States under the Biden administration. The suspect fled in his vehicle, crashed into a parked car and ran on foot. Pursuing officers caught up with the man and attempted to make an arrest; according to DHS, the suspect resisted and a physical struggle ensued.
Federal agents deal with agitators outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Jan. 14, in Minneapolis, Minn.
Alleged Ambush and Defensive Gunfire
DHS says two additional individuals emerged from a nearby apartment during the struggle and struck the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. The primary suspect broke free and also struck the agent. Fearing for his life, the officer fired a defensive shot that struck the main suspect in the leg.
Suspects, Custody and Medical Status
Federal authorities identified the three men taken into custody as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, all Venezuelan nationals who are now in ICE custody. DHS said Sosa-Celis has prior convictions and was released by Minnesota authorities before an ICE detainer could be lodged; Ajorna and Hernandez-Ledezma are alleged to have entered the U.S. without authorization and failed to comply with immigration proceedings.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blasted local leadership, saying Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Tim Walz must "get their city under control."
Both the injured officer and Sosa-Celis were hospitalized after the confrontation. All three suspects remain detained while federal authorities continue their review and any potential criminal investigation proceeds.
Official Response
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the incident as an attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer, saying the officer 'was ambushed and attacked by three individuals.' Secretary Noem criticized local leadership and urged officials to take action to better support law enforcement and public safety.
Local and federal agencies are continuing their investigation. No criminal charges beyond detention and custody have been announced publicly at this time.
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