ICE Officer Charged in Minnesota Shooting Released in Texas as Extradition Fight Continues

Christian Castro, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer facing charges in connection with a shooting in Minnesota, was released from a Texas detention facility on Thursday. The release followed a federal judge's decision to deny a temporary restraining order that Minnesota officials had sought to prevent his departure.

Castro was charged in May by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty with four counts of assault in the second degree and one count of falsely reporting a crime. According to Moriarty, Castro fired his service weapon at the front door of a home, striking Julio Sosa-Celis in the leg. The bullet reportedly lodged in the wall of a child's bedroom.

Moriarty stated that Castro fired his weapon "knowing there were people who had just run inside that presented absolutely no harm to him or anyone else."

Castro was arrested in Texas, prompting Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, to initiate the extradition process under federal and state laws. Minnesota authorities had been pushing for Castro to be held in Texas while the extradition process unfolded. Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino confirmed Castro's release at 6:59 a.m. on Thursday.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, Jr. issued an order Wednesday denying Minnesota's request for a temporary restraining order. The judge noted that under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act (UCEA), Castro could only be detained on the strength of the Minnesota warrant until August 27, 2026. The order stated that Minnesota filed the action after not receiving a definitive answer from Texas regarding the extradition request, alleging that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had refused to sign a rendition warrant.

Judge Rodriguez concluded that Minnesota failed to meet the requirements for issuing a temporary restraining order based on the record and applicable law. The situation has drawn attention from Texas officials, with Gov. Abbott reportedly involved in the legal proceedings.

ICE agents are seen departing a federal building in Minneapolis, Minn. (John Moore/Getty Images)