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 said the two officers, who have not been named, were immediately placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Lying under oath is a serious federal offence, Lyons stated. On Friday, a judge granted a request to drop charges against two men who were accused of attacking the officers.
The Department of Homeland Security initially reported that a federal officer shot a man in the leg after being assaulted with a shovel and broom handle by three migrants on January 14.
Subsequent investigations by Lyons indicated that the officers may have provided inaccurate testimony, prompting the U.S. attorney's office to investigate the matter.
Video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements, he said.
He added, Upon conclusion of the investigation, the officers may face termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution.
Following the January incident, the DHS claimed the shooting occurred after a car chase involving a Venezuelan national in the country illegally. The altercation ensued when the man exited his vehicle and began struggling with the federal agent.
According to the DHS, while the subject and law enforcement were in a struggle on the ground, two subjects came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. The agency claimed the officer fired shots in self-defense during this ambush.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem remarked that the injured agent was receiving treatment and expressed gratitude for his survival. This incident has reignited conversations regarding law enforcement practices and the treatment of migrants in the U.S.
The situation continues to develop as officials seek accountability and transparency regarding the actions of both the officers involved and the investigation itself.
