ICE director admits agents defended by Kristi Noem lied after shooting

Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, admitted that two agents made "untruthful" statements following the shooting of Julio Sosa Celis in Minnesota.

Earlier this week, prosecutors asked a federal judge to dismiss charges against Sosa and Alfredo Aljorna. An FBI agent had claimed to the court that the men took part in an attack on ICE officers with a shovel and a broom handle before Sosa was shot.

"Today, a joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice (DOJ) of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements," Lyons said in a statement on Friday. "Both officers have been immediately placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough internal investigation."

"Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The U.S. Attorney's Office is actively investigating these false statements," he added. "Upon conclusion of the investigation, the officers may face termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had defended the two agents before the case fell apart.

"Our ICE agents are following the law and running their operations according to training. Last night, what we saw was three individuals, weaponized shovels and brooms, and attacked an ICE officer that had to defend himself," Noem said.

On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson ordered the case against the men to be dismissed with prejudice, meaning prosecutors cannot refile charges.

An attorney for the men said that they were "overjoyed" at the dismissal. The men were facing years in federal prison.