Crime
Joe Rodrigue identiifed as police officer injured in New Orleans terror attack
Among the many affected by the tragic Bourbon Street attack, Officer Joe Rodrigue of the New Orleans Police Department stands out as a symbol of dedication and strength.
One of two officers injured during the incident, Joe’s journey to recovery has become a beacon of hope for his family, friends, and community.
A close friend, Loren Milliken, shared a heartfelt tribute on a GoFundMe campaign, recounting the deep friendship she and Joe forged over the past 23 years.
“Joe and I met 23 years ago at the Blockbuster on Veterans Street in Metairie. We instantly connected over our shared love of indie movies and rock music,” she wrote.
Over the years, their bond grew into an enduring friendship that survived the tests of time, distance, and differing opinions. “It’s the kind of bond that reminds me of the resilience of true friendship and gives me hope in the power of human connection,” Milliken shared.
Joe has dedicated nearly a decade of his life to serving the New Orleans Police Department, embodying compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to his community. His work has been a testament to his character and his belief in the importance of public service.
Following the attack, Joe was hospitalized with severe injuries. Though he has recently been released, his road to recovery will require time, resources, and support from those around him.
As Joe begins this challenging chapter, his wife, Beth, has been by his side every step of the way. Milliken’s GoFundMe campaign aims to alleviate some of the financial burden the Rodrigue family now faces. Donations will help cover essential expenses, including meals, household needs, and other costs, allowing Joe to focus fully on his recovery.
“Joe has always been there for his friends and his city,” Milliken emphasized. “Now, as he and Beth navigate this difficult journey, I’m reaching out for your support to help ease the burden on their family.”
Officer Rodrigue’s story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of a community united in care and compassion. Every contribution brings Joe and his family closer to the peace and healing they so richly deserve.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.