A federal judge has blocked Minnesota’s attempt to extradite ICE agent Christian Castro from Texas. The ruling keeps the officer in Texas while the state and federal authorities dispute his status.
Charges and Court Appearance
Castro pleaded not guilty Friday to six counts of making materially false statements to investigators, according to unsealed federal court documents. He turned himself in Thursday evening and was released on a $75,000 unsecured bond, with a requirement to wear an ankle monitor.
Shooting Details
The incident occurred on Jan. 14 in Minneapolis when Castro and his partner attempted to stop a vehicle driven by a Venezuelan citizen. After a brief foot chase, Castro fired a single shot through the front door of an apartment duplex, striking Julio Cesar Sosa‑Celis in the leg; two toddlers and two women were inside the home.
Castro initially told investigators he was brutally assaulted with a broom and a snow shovel and that he fired while on his back, claims video evidence later disproved, showing he was standing and the struggle lasted about 11 seconds.
Legal Battle Over Extradition
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has refused to extradite Castro to Minnesota, arguing the officer does not qualify as a fugitive, a stance that has sparked a legal dispute between the state and federal authorities.
A federal judge in Dallas issued the injunction blocking Minnesota’s extradition request, keeping the officer in Texas while the case proceeds.
Background
Castro was previously arrested in Texas in May on related charges and now faces separate state charges in Minnesota. The shooting took place during the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Federal prosecutors allege the officer’s false statements hindered the investigation, while video evidence contradicted his account, prompting the perjury charges.
