Federal Judge Blocks Extradition of ICE Agent from Texas

A federal judge has halted Minnesota’s efforts to extradite ICE agent Christian Castro from Texas. Castro faces charges related to a shooting incident involving a Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is examining if Castro legally qualifies as a fugitive.

Christian Castro, an officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pleaded not guilty to accusations of lying about a shooting incident that occurred during a crackdown on illegal immigration. The incident took place in January when Castro reportedly shot a Venezuelan man in the leg.

Castro appeared in a federal court in Texas, where he is charged with providing “materially false” statements to investigators. Following his appearance in court, he was released on a $75,000 unsecured bond and is required to wear an ankle monitor.

DOJ CHARGES ICE OFFICER WITH LYING TO INVESTIGATORS

The charges against Castro arise from an incident on January 14. The victim, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, was shot in the leg after an encounter with Castro and his partner. The officers attempted to stop a vehicle, leading to a foot chase after the driver, another Venezuelan citizen, fled. According to the indictment, Castro reached the driver and a physical altercation occurred, during which Sosa-Celis attempted to assist the driver. They retreated to a nearby apartment, closing the door behind them.

Federal prosecutors assert Castro fired his service weapon through the front door, injuring Sosa-Celis. During the incident, two women and two children were also inside the residence.

Castro claimed self-defense, alleging assault by multiple people using tools, such as a broom and a snow shovel. He stated he was on his back when he fired his weapon. However, video evidence contradicted these claims, showing Castro standing up when he discharged his weapon. This led to an investigation after the prosecutors disputed Castro’s version of events.

The shooting occurred amid a targeted effort to curb illegal immigration in the Minneapolis area. Castro faces additional legal challenges in Minnesota and was previously detained in Texas earlier this year.

Governor Abbott’s involvement has sparked a legal confrontation, as he has resisted extraditing Castro back to Minnesota.