Immigration officers face probe over alleged perjury in shooting case

Two immigration enforcement officers are reportedly under criminal investigation after federal prosecutors moved to dismiss felony assault charges against Venezuelan nationals stemming from a January shooting in the nation’s northern region.

The country’s immigration enforcement director allegedly stated that newly reviewed video evidence suggests the officers may have made “untruthful statements” under oath about the January 14 confrontation, during which a Venezuelan national was shot, according to local media reports. The officers have reportedly been placed on administrative leave and could face termination and possible criminal prosecution, according to officials from the homeland security apparatus.

“A joint review by immigration authorities and federal prosecutors of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements,” a homeland security official reportedly told media outlets. “Both officers have been immediately placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough internal investigation.”

Officials emphasized that “lying under oath is a serious federal offense,” with prosecutors allegedly “actively investigating these false statements.” The officers may reportedly face both employment termination and potential criminal prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation.

The case centered on two Venezuelan nationals initially accused of attacking an immigration officer during what authorities described as a targeted traffic stop. However, the lead federal prosecutor moved to dismiss the charges, citing “newly discovered evidence” that was allegedly “materially inconsistent” with allegations outlined in the criminal complaint and earlier court testimony. A federal judge granted the motion, according to reports.

In court proceedings, video footage and witness testimony reportedly failed to support claims that the immigration agent had been assaulted with a shovel and broom, observers noted.

According to earlier official statements, officers allegedly attempted to arrest one Venezuelan national when he fled the scene in his vehicle, crashed into a parked car and ran on foot. Officials claimed at the time that an agent caught up with him and that the suspect resisted and assaulted the officer.

Authorities alleged that two additional men then struck the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle before the agent fired a shot, striking one suspect in the leg. All three men were reportedly taken into custody after retreating into an apartment, with both the officer and the wounded suspect requiring hospitalization.

The officers’ identities were not released by authorities. It remains unclear whether the Venezuelan nationals could face possible deportation proceedings, as is common in such cases involving foreign nationals in the country’s immigration enforcement system.