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Judge Denies Minnesota’s Extradition Bid for ICE Officer Castro

8/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. denied Minnesota’s extradition request for ICE officer Christian Castro, siding with Gov. Greg Abbott.
The ruling allows Castro’s release from a Texas jail on Thursday after three months in custody.
Texas law limits detention on extradition warrants to 90 days.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Abbott on Aug. 18 to return Castro for assault charges.

History

Historical Context

The Constitution’s Extradition Clause long allowed states to refuse surrender, a stance upheld in Kentucky v. Dennison (1861). In 1987 the Supreme Court’s Puerto Rico v. Branstad overturned that precedent, mandating federal courts to enforce extradition. Texas’s 90-day detention limit kept Christian Castro incarcerated exactly that long before Judge Rodriguez denied Minnesota’s state legal request.

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Story summary

Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. denied Minnesota’s extradition request for ICE officer Christian Castro, siding with Gov. Greg Abbott.
The ruling allows Castro’s release from a Texas jail on Thursday after three months in custody.
Texas law limits detention on extradition warrants to 90 days.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Abbott on Aug. 18 to return Castro for assault charges.

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