Crime
3 Spirit Lake Tribe members killed in shooting on Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota
Fort Totten, ND – March 4, 2025 – The Spirit Lake Tribal Council is deeply saddened to report a tragic shooting incident that occurred this morning in St. Michael’s, resulting in the deaths of three members of the Spirit Lake Tribe.
At approximately 9:30 AM, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement notified the Tribal Council of the incident.
After an extensive search, law enforcement successfully apprehended the suspect at approximately 1:20 PM, and the individual is now in custody.
In response to this tragedy, the Spirit Lake Tribal Council has placed all tribal employees on administrative leave.
Additionally, the shelter-in-place order issued earlier for residents within the Spirit Lake reservation boundaries, including the districts of St. Michael’s, Fort Totten, Crow Hill, and Wood Lake, has now been lifted.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time,” the Tribal Council stated. “We ask for the community’s support, empathy, and respect as we grieve together.”
To maintain the privacy and dignity of those affected, the names of the victims and the suspect will not be released at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of the community.
The Spirit Lake Tribal Council extends its deepest gratitude to all law enforcement personnel for their swift response and efforts in managing this situation.
The Tribal Council recognizes the emotional toll this event may have on the community and encourages those affected to seek grief counseling services.
Spirit Lake Behavioral Health is offering support, and tribal members in need are urged to reach out for assistance.
For support services, please contact Spirit Lake Behavioral Health at the numbers provided below.
No one should face this grief alone—help is available.
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.