ICE agent arrested in Minnesota

Christian Castro, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, appeared in Minneapolis court Wednesday after his arrest in connection with shooting a Venezuelan immigrant in January.

The shooting and false charges

On January 14th, Castro allegedly shot through a front door at a house where Sosa-Celis was fleeing, with the bullet passing through his leg and into a child's bedroom wall.

Justice Department drops charges

The Justice Department initially charged Sosa-Celis with assault but later dropped the charges after acknowledging that officers, including Castro, made untruthful statements about the incident.

Months-long extradition standoff

Castro was arrested in Texas in May but remained jailed for three months while Governor Greg Abbott delayed signing the extradition warrant, prompting Minnesota to sue.

“The state of Minnesota certainly has an interest in not being back in the frustrating situation we were in last month.”

Castro faces multiple charges

Minnesota charged Castro with assault and falsely reporting a crime. Federal prosecutors also charged him with lying to investigators, though they did not bring civil rights charges for the shooting itself.

Released on bail, pleading not guilty

Castro was released on bail Thursday evening and plans to plead not guilty to all charges. His next state court appearance is scheduled for November 3rd.

“We're anxious. We're ready to fight this case in court, so we're looking forward to it.”