His reversal of the narrative came just a day after felony assault charges were dropped against both Aljorno and Sosa-Celis by the Department of Justice, which filed a motion admitting that the court had been provided with incorrect information.
ICE said this was due to the officers’ ‘false statements’.Both immigration officers have been removed from their posts as a result of their apparent false claims, Todd Lyons also revealed in his statement, with the enforcement agency saying the allegation is ‘a serious federal offense.’
ICE Director Lyons’ statement added: « Both officers have been immediately placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough internal investigation….The U.S. Attorney’s Office is actively investigating these false statements.”
This sudden admission came after video evidence made it clear that the officers’ recollection of the shooting was not true, DHS official Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to People.
« The men and women of ICE are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct, » she said.
Adding: « Violations of this sacred sworn oath will not be tolerated. ICE remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the fair enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws. »
Sosa-Celis and Aljorno are said to be ‘happy’ to be free, with their attorney sharing: « The charges against them were based on lies by an ICE agent who recklessly shot into their home through a closed door.
« They are so happy justice is being served by the government’s request to dismiss all charges with prejudice. The identity of the ICE agent should be made public and he should be charged for his crime. »
A teacher, who has been in the profession for over a decade, has reportedly been made to quit his job for voicing his support for ICE on social media.
Last month, James Heidorn, a gym teacher at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, came under fire for writing ‘GO ICE’ online in response to a news article about local police pledging to collaborate with immigration enforcement.
His remarks quickly drew criticism from community activists and local lawmakers, with West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey even weighing in on it all.
