Full Breakdown
ICE Officer Christian Castro Indicted for False Statements in Minnesota Shooting
9/6/2026, 5:51:59 AM
Federal Indictment of Christian Castro
A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro for false statements about the January 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in a Minneapolis duplex. The indictment, unsealed in early September 2026, says Castro told FBI agents he was attacked with a broom and a snow shovel and that he fired while lying on the ground. Surveillance video showed Castro standing and firing through a closed door, wounding Sosa-Celis in the leg. Castro surrendered in McAllen, Texas, and was released on a $75,000 unsecured bond pending a court appearance.
Background & Context
The incident occurred during the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge, a deportation campaign that deployed federal agents to the Twin Cities in January 2026. On January 14, Castro and a partner pursued a vehicle driven by Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna. After Aljorna fled on foot, Castro chased him to a duplex where Sosa-Celis intervened. Castro fired a single shot through the front door, wounding Sosa-Celis.
Minnesota’s Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed state charges in May 2026, including four counts of second-degree assault and one count of false reporting. Texas Rangers arrested Castro on May 29 after a nationwide warrant was issued. Governor Greg Abbott declined to sign an extradition warrant, and a federal judge later declined to compel extradition; Castro was released after the statutory 90-day detention limit expired.
Data & Statistics
- Federal charges: six counts of making false statements (up to five years each).
- State charges: four counts of second-degree assault and one count of false reporting.
- Detention: 90 days in a Texas county jail.
- Operation Metro Surge: 50,925 detentions in August 2026, the highest monthly total since the program began.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney, said the agency expects Castro to appear in federal court in Texas and later in Minnesota.
- Andrew Mahaleris, spokesperson for Governor Abbott, affirmed that “state law enforcement stands ready and willing to assist federal partners in facilitating Mr. Castro’s arrest if needed.”
- Greg Abbott warned, “While they’re making demands, I got a demand of my own.”
Criticism & Opposition
Robin Wolpert, attorney for Sosa-Celis, argued that Castro’s false statements were intended to conceal an unjustified shooting and called for “full accountability.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Account of the confrontation: Castro’s affidavit described a three-minute assault with a broom and shovel; video and independent reviews indicate the interaction lasted about 11 seconds and no such weapons were used.
- Prosecutor’s status: Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Evans was fired after alleging obstruction; DOJ officials dispute the characterization of his departure, stating the investigation continues.
Timeline
- January 14 – Castro shoots Sosa-Celis in the leg.
- May 29 – Texas Rangers arrest Castro after a Minnesota warrant is issued.
- August 27 – Governor Abbott refuses to sign an extradition warrant; Castro remains in Texas custody.
- Early September 2026 – Federal grand jury indicts Castro on six false-statement counts; he surrenders in McAllen, Texas.
The indictment marks the first known federal prosecution of an ICE officer for on-duty conduct under the Trump administration, highlighting tensions between state prosecutors, federal authorities, and Texas leadership.
