The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed ICE agent Christian Castro on unpaid suspension as they conduct a thorough investigation into the criminal charges he faces for allegedly shooting a Venezuelan immigrant during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. This information was confirmed to FOX 9 by a senior agency official.
This decision came just a day after Castro was released from the Cameron County Jail in Texas, where he had been held for 90 days without extradition to Minnesota being completed, as legally required.
Castro is facing four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime to authorities in Hennepin County. These charges stem from a shooting incident on January 14, 2026, during Operation Metro Surge.
The criminal complaint details that Castro pursued Julio César Sosa-Celis, a 24-year-old Venezuelan legally residing in the U.S., into a residence and fired through a door, injuring him in the leg. The bullet ultimately lodged in the wall of a child's bedroom.
Castro claims he acted in self-defense after being attacked with a broom and shovel, but prosecutors argue that surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence contradict his account.
As a result of Castro's claims, Sosa-Celis was initially arrested and charged with a crime; however, those charges were later dismissed.
The DHS has emphasized that the Federal Prosecutor is actively investigating the sworn statements related to this case. "Lying under oath is a serious federal offense," stated the official, adding that the involved officers could face termination and criminal charges.
Castro had been incarcerated since May 29, when the Texas Rangers detained him in Cameron County following a nationwide arrest warrant.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has refused to sign the extradition order, questioning whether the agent could legally be considered a "fugitive" since he returned to Texas under ICE orders.
Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño confirmed Castro's release at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Thursday.
"This morning, we released Agent Castro. We have fulfilled our obligations according to the law. It is now up to the state of Minnesota and the governor to decide what will happen next," Treviño stated.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison had filed a lawsuit against Abbott on August 18 to compel the extradition of the agent and requested a temporary restraining order to prevent his release.
Federal Judge Fernando Rodríguez Jr. denied that request on Wednesday, ruling that the case was premature since Abbott had not formally rejected extradition.
Ellison also raised concerns about a potential flight risk, citing Castro's phone conversations with a woman in Mexico discussing buying property there.
The shooting of Sosa-Celis occurred amid a series of violent incidents during Operation Metro Surge that rocked Minneapolis in early 2026.
This event took place a week after the death of Renee Good and ten days before ICU nurse and U.S. citizen Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents during the same operation.
This case is part of a continually evolving immigration landscape. Stay informed on operations, agents, and policies in our U.S. Immigration section.
Key Questions About the ICE Agent Shooting Case
What charges is Christian Castro facing?
Christian Castro is facing four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime to authorities in Hennepin County.
Why was Julio César Sosa-Celis initially arrested?
Julio César Sosa-Celis was initially arrested due to statements made by Castro, but the charges against him were later dismissed.
What is the significance of the Federal Prosecutor's investigation?
The Federal Prosecutor's investigation is significant because lying under oath is a serious federal offense, and officers involved may face termination and criminal charges.