A federal judge has blocked Minnesota’s attempts to extradite ICE agent Christian Castro from Texas. Castro faces charges related to the January shooting of a Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is investigating if Castro legally qualifies as a fugitive.
Federal prosecutors charged Castro with making false statements about the incident on January 14, where Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg. The charges were brought by a federal grand jury in Minnesota.
It’s alleged that Castro fired through a Minneapolis home’s front door, hitting Sosa-Celis, and then lied about the events preceding the shooting. This incident occurred during heightened efforts against illegal immigration in Minnesota.
After his release from a Texas jail, Governor Abbott refused to sign an extradition warrant for Castro, which effectively stalled Minnesota’s extradition request. Under Texas law, Castro must be released after being detained for 90 days without extradition.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s request for a temporary restraining order to prevent Castro’s release or compel his return to Minnesota was denied.
The charges stem from an event where Sosa-Celis and another individual were allegedly accused of attacking officers, but these charges were dropped after video evidence suggested discrepancies in the officers’ accounts.
ProPublica reported that federal prosecutors were not allowed to pursue civil rights charges against Castro by Washington officials.
Fox News Digital contacted ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department for comments regarding the situation.
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