ICE agent accused in Minneapolis shooting released in Texas; judge rejects extradition

An U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Christian Castro, accused of shooting a man during an immigration operation in Minneapolis, has been released from a Texas jail. The release occurred after a federal judge refused to order his extradition back to Minnesota, where he faces charges.

Castro was freed from a detention center in Brownsville, Texas, early Thursday. He faces charges in Minnesota for assault and falsely reporting a crime stemming from a January 14 incident. Prosecutors allege Castro fired a weapon through the front door of a Minneapolis residence, injuring 24-year-old Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg. They further contend that Castro falsely accused Sosa-Celis and another man of attacking him with a broomstick and a snow shovel.

Minnesota authorities had requested Castro's extradition since his arrest on May 29 in Cameron County. However, under Texas law, individuals detained without extradition can be held for a maximum of 90 days. Castro's detention reached this limit on Thursday, leading to his release.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison had sought a temporary restraining order to prevent Castro's release or compel his return. However, federal district judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction, stating the case was not yet ready for resolution. Texas lawyers argued that the judge could not rule on a decision that was still pending, and that Governor Greg Abbott was awaiting the outcome of a state investigation into whether Castro was legally a "fugitive."