ICE officer charged with lying to investigators in the shooting of Venezuelan man, AP source says

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ICE officer charged with lying to investigators in the shooting of Venezuelan man, AP source says

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Federal prosecutors have charged Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Christian Castro with making false statements to investigators about a January shooting in Minneapolis, according to a person familiar with the case. Castro allegedly shot Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg during Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement operation. The federal charges remain under seal, and Castro has not yet been taken into custody, according to reports. Minnesota prosecutors separately charged him with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime. Those charges followed video evidence that undermined federal authorities’ initial account that Sosa-Celis and another man attacked officers with a broom handle and snow shovel. Castro was released from a Texas jail last week after Governor Greg Abbott declined to immediately approve extradition to Minnesota. Justice Department officials have disputed reports that civil-rights charges were definitively blocked, saying the investigation remains ongoing. � AP News +2

Published 2026-09-03 19:20:34 UTC · Published by JQJO

Prepared by Sidra · AI assisted

More context

Timeline

On January 14, 2026, Castro shot Sosa-Celis during Minneapolis enforcement. �
Hennepin Attorney
On January 15, 2026, DHS described an attack involving officers. �
Hennepin Attorney
On February 2026, prosecutors dropped charges after reviewing contradictory video. �
AP News
On February 2026, Castro was suspended without pay during investigation. �
AP News
On May 18, 2026, Minnesota charged Castro with five counts. �
Hennepin Attorney
On May 29, 2026, Texas Rangers arrested Castro after warrant. �
Hennepin Attorney
On August 18, 2026, Minnesota sued Texas seeking Castro’s extradition. �
Minnesota Attorney General
On August 26, 2026, federal judge declined Minnesota extradition request. �
Minnesota Attorney General
On August 27, 2026, Castro was released from Texas jail. �
Minnesota Attorney General
On September 3, 2026, prosecutors charged Castro with false statements. �
AP News
Over coming days, sealed federal charges may become publicly accessible. �
The Washington Post
Over coming months, Minnesota’s prosecution may face further extradition challenges.

Why it matters

Immediate US impact: Federal charges intensify scrutiny of ICE conduct and immigration accountability. Possible long-term US impact: Long-term, prosecutions could reshape federal-state oversight of immigration officers nationwide. Most affected: Minneapolis residents, Venezuelan immigrants, ICE officers, officials, victims. Readers should prioritize sealed filings, court records, official statements, reporting.

Coverage notes

Left: Left framing emphasizes accountability concerns and federal protection of officers. � ProPublica +1 Center: Center framing emphasizes charges, evidence, disputed claims, and ongoing investigations. � AP News +2 Right: Right framing emphasizes federal authority, due process, and Minnesota’s prosecution. �