An immigration officer linked to a 2017 shooting incident in Minnesota was arrested recently in Texas. Christian Castro, associated with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, was captured 11 days after facing assault charges for a nonfatal shooting. On January 14, Castro allegedly shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan resident, during efforts linked to the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge.
Prosecutors from Hennepin County stated that Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified Castro in Texas, with the Texas Rangers aiding his arrest in Cameron County. Despite claims from the Hennepin County Attorney’s office, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General clarified its agents did not contribute to Castro’s capture.
Although no legal representation for Castro was specified in court records, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the apprehension marks a significant advance in prosecuting Castro. This arrest is the second involving a federal agent from the Minnesota initiative.
The incident occurred when Castro, along with another officer, pursued Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna to Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis’ duplex. Castro fired through the front door, injuring Sosa-Celis, who, along with Aljorna, was legally residing in the U.S. Both were falsely accused of attacking an officer. Subsequent investigations led to federal charges being dismissed by a judge, prompting further inquiries into the officers’ testimonies.
ICE acknowledged the U.S. attorney’s ongoing investigation into the officers’ statements. It criticized Hennepin County’s actions as politically motivated, suggesting improper conduct was a factor. At the time, Minneapolis released security footage reportedly depicting events before the shooting.
The video displayed an individual with a snow shovel near the home’s entrance as a pursued person stumbled towards the house. A brief scuffle ensued before an officer reportedly opened fire. Amid the Trump administration’s extensive deportation drive, this incident heightened tensions due to subsequent fatal officer-involved shootings.
Minnesota authorities have continually confronted federal bodies over jurisdiction in investigating such cases. Hennepin County is pursuing investigations into the associated fatal shootings and has taken legal steps to obtain further evidence.