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 two unnamed officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Lying under oath is a serious federal offence, Lyons remarked. On Friday, a judge granted a request to drop charges against two men accused of attacking the officers during the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security initially reported 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.
Lyons also noted that video evidence seems to reveal inconsistencies in the sworn testimonies from the officers involved. He stated, Video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements.
As a result, the U.S. attorney's office is currently investigating the matter, and the officers face possible termination and criminal prosecution based on the investigation's findings.
Following the incident, the DHS claimed that a car chase involving a Venezuelan national illegally residing in the country led to a confrontation. They described an altercation where the law enforcement officer was allegedly attacked by individuals with a snow shovel and broom handle.
Lyons concluded by emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the commitment to uphold integrity within the department, stating, Upon conclusion of the investigation, the officers may face termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution.
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