A federal judge has blocked Minnesota’s attempt to extradite ICE agent Christian Castro from Texas. The case involves the January shooting of a Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge.
Christian Castro, an ICE officer, pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements about the shooting incident. He appeared in a Texas federal court, where he faces six charges for allegedly lying to investigators. Federal court documents reveal Castro surrendered to authorities on Thursday evening.
The judge ordered Castro’s release on a $75,000 unsecured bond with the condition of wearing an ankle monitor. The shooting incident involved Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan man shot in the leg while Castro and his partner attempted a vehicle stop. The driver fled, leading to a chase. During the confrontation, Sosa-Celis intervened and fled into a duplex.
Castro allegedly fired his weapon through the front door, striking Sosa-Celis in the leg. The incident occurred with two women and two children present in the home.
Castro claimed he was attacked with tools during the incident, but video evidence contradicted his account. Investigators noted that Castro was standing when he fired the shot, not on his back as initially claimed.
This case is also linked to a broader crackdown on illegal immigration in Minneapolis. Castro continues to face legal challenges in Minnesota and was earlier arrested in Texas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has resisted sending Castro to Minnesota, leading to ongoing legal disputes.