Judge Blocks Minnesota’s Extradition of ICE Agent from Texas

A federal judge has halted Minnesota’s attempt to extradite ICE officer Christian Castro from Texas. Castro faces accusations related to the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan migrant, during an operation in Minneapolis back in January. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is currently examining if Castro can be classified as a fugitive.

In a federal courtroom in St. Paul, Castro pleaded not guilty to six counts of making false statements to the FBI regarding the incident that occurred during Operation Metro Surge. Prosecutors claim he shot Sosa-Celis through the front door of a residence. Castro, 52, reportedly claimed he acted in self-defense, saying he was threatened with a broom and a shovel, but surveillance footage suggests otherwise.

During the hearing, Castro was ordered to wear an ankle monitor and was restricted to travel only between Minnesota and South Texas. The judge also mandated that he must report any encounters with law enforcement within 72 hours. Shortly after, he was released from custody.

Previously, Castro had spent almost three months in Texas custody, primarily due to Governor Abbott refusing to sign an extradition warrant to send him to Minnesota. After his release in Texas, where he resides, he was required to wear an ankle monitor and surrender his passport and firearms upon being booked in Minnesota.

Castro is facing both federal and state charges linked to the shooting incident.

According to prosecutors, Castro provided deceptive details about the circumstances of the shooting during Operation Metro Surge—a significant crackdown on illegal immigration initiated by the Trump administration. This operation resulted in a multitude of arrests as well as the fatalities of two U.S. citizens.

Disputes have arisen between Minnesota officials and the Trump administration regarding which authority should pursue charges against Castro, with the latter asserting that only federal bodies have jurisdiction in this matter.