A federal judge has blocked Minnesota’s efforts to extradite ICE officer Christian Castro from Texas. This decision follows accusations against Castro related to a January shooting of a Venezuelan migrant during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is investigating whether Castro qualifies as a fugitive.

Castro pleaded not guilty to six charges of providing “materially false” statements to investigators about the incident, the court documents revealed. The shooting took place during the Trump administration’s anti-illegal immigration operations. Castro, present in a Texas federal court, was released on a $75,000 unsecured bond and an ankle monitor was imposed on him.

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The incident involved Castro firing a shot that injured Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, another Venezuelan citizen, in the leg. Moments earlier, Castro and his partner had pursued a vehicle, leading to a foot chase. Sosa-Celis, who tried to aid the driver, fled into a nearby duplex with others.

Prosecutors stated Castro fired his weapon through a closed door. During the event, two children and two women were present inside the dwelling. Castro claimed self-defense, asserting multiple individuals attacked him with tools, including a broom and a snow shovel.

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Contradicting his statements, video footage unveiled by federal prosecutors showed Castro standing when he fired, and the altercation lasting only 11 seconds, rather than the claimed three minutes.

This event occurred amid heightened enforcement against illegal immigration in Minneapolis. Castro faces additional charges in Minnesota after an earlier arrest in Texas. Governor Abbott has declined to permit his extradition to Minnesota, intensifying the legal dispute.