Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have moved to drop felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, after new evidence emerged undercutting the government's version of events. The U.S. Attorney's Office filed a motion Thursday seeking dismissal with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously used the January 14 incident to attack Minnesota officials, claiming the officer was attacked with snow shovels and broom handles. However, during a January 21 court hearing, video evidence and eyewitness testimony contradicted the ICE officer's account. Neither video nor testimony from neighbors and the men's partners supported claims of assault with a broom or shovel.

The case joins a string of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents where eyewitness statements and video evidence have called into question claims made to justify using deadly force. Both men had been working as DoorDash delivery drivers at night to avoid encounters with federal agents. The dismissal highlights growing concerns about the reliability of government accounts in immigration enforcement incidents.