Judge Stops Minnesota from Extraditing ICE Agent from Texas

A federal judge recently halted Minnesota’s efforts to extradite ICE agent Christian Castro from Texas. Castro is facing charges related to the shooting of a Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis back in January during Operation Metro Surge. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is looking into whether Castro should be classified as a fugitive.

Castro, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, pleaded not guilty on Friday to multiple charges alleging he lied about the January shooting incident involving a Venezuelan man. He appeared in a Texas federal court where he faces six counts of making false statements to investigators. Castro voluntarily turned himself in to law enforcement the day before.

The judge granted Castro release on a $75,000 unsecured bond but mandated that he wear an ankle monitor.

The allegations arise from the January 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was shot in the leg. Prior to the incident, Castro and his partner attempted to pull over a vehicle. The driver, also from Venezuela, fled, leading to a foot pursuit.

During the chase, Castro caught up with the driver, which resulted in a confrontation. Sosa-Celis tried to assist the driver, prompting both men to escape into a nearby apartment and close the door.

According to federal prosecutors, Castro then fired a shot through the front door, hitting Sosa-Celis in the leg. Notably, there were two women and two children present in the home when the gunfire erupted.

To justify his actions, Castro allegedly claimed during questioning that he was assaulted by several individuals wielding tools and insisted he was attacked with a broom and a snow shovel. He also suggested that he fired while on the ground during the altercation.

However, video evidence later emerged that contradicted these assertions. Prosecutors indicated that Castro was standing when he shot, and they noted that the physical struggle with the suspect only lasted about 11 seconds, not the three minutes Castro reported.

The incident took place as part of a broader effort against illegal immigration in Minneapolis. Castro is also facing additional charges in Minnesota and had previously been arrested in Texas in May.

The case has triggered a legal dispute involving Governor Abbott, who has refused to allow Castro’s extradition to Minnesota.