CRIME & LAW

Minnesota Charges ICE Officer in January Minneapolis Shooting

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MINNEAPOLIS. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Monday that her office charged ICE agent Christian Castro with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime for the Jan. 14 shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis during Operation Metro Surge, and a nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest. The charges follow earlier federal actions that included prosecution and later dismissal of charges against Sosa-Celis and his roommate after video evidence emerged; federal officials opened investigations into officers’ testimony, the city released security camera footage last month, and the state action adds a separate criminal accountability track this week.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Jan. 7 (one week before Jan. 14) — An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in south Minneapolis, sparking protests.
Jan. 14 — During Operation Metro Surge, Julio Sosa-Celis was shot in the thigh by a federal officer in north Minneapolis.
After Jan. 14 — Federal authorities charged Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna with assault; mug shots were publicized.
Subsequently — A federal judge dismissed charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna and federal officials investigated whether officers lied under oath.
This week — Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced state charges against ICE agent Christian Castro and a nationwide arrest warrant was issued.

Why This Matters to You

This case is about accountability in law enforcement. It's a reminder that officers, even federal ones, can face charges for their actions. If you're concerned about police conduct, keep an eye on this case. It could set a precedent.

The Bottom Line

ICE agent Christian Castro is facing serious charges. This follows a federal investigation into possible false testimony by officers. If you believe in justice and transparency, this is a case to watch. Worth forwarding if you know someone who values law enforcement accountability.