A federal judge on Wednesday denied Minnesota’s emergency request to block the release of ICE Agent Christian Castro, who faces assault and false reporting charges in Minnesota after allegedly shooting a Venezuelan man through a front door in January. The decision by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. clears the way for Castro’s release from a Texas jail on Thursday, when his 90-day detention period expires under state law, unless further legal action is taken.
Castro, arrested in Texas on May 29, has been held in the Cameron County Jail while Minnesota sought his extradition. The state’s 90-day deadline for holding fugitives awaiting extradition lapses Thursday, and without a signed rendition warrant from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the sheriff is legally required to release Castro.
Court Rejects Minnesota’s Arguments for Delay
Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent Castro’s release, arguing he posed a flight risk. State officials cited jail calls in which Castro discussed plans to move to Mexico, including discussions about marrying a woman in Progreso, Mexico, and purchasing property there. Minnesota’s legal filings stated that Castro’s release could give him the opportunity to flee the country, complicating efforts to prosecute him.
However, Judge Rodriguez ruled that Minnesota’s lawsuit was premature, noting that Abbott has neither approved nor denied the extradition request. Instead, Abbott directed the Texas Secretary of State to investigate whether Castro should be surrendered—a step permitted under Texas’ Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. The judge wrote that the matter did not meet the legal threshold for a temporary restraining order, as Abbott had not formally refused the extradition request.
Texas Law Triggers Release Deadline
Under Texas law, fugitives held for extradition must be released after 90 days unless a governor signs a rendition warrant. Castro’s detention period ends Thursday, and Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino confirmed he would comply with state law unless ordered otherwise by a court. Minnesota’s legal team argued that Abbott’s delay in signing the warrant amounted to an effective blockage of extradition, but the judge disagreed, stating that the governor’s review process did not violate the law.
Charges and Allegations Against Castro
Castro faces four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime in Minnesota. The shooting occurred on January 14, when Castro allegedly fired a gun through the front door of a Minneapolis home, striking Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg. Prosecutors allege Castro then falsely claimed Sosa-Celis and another man had attacked him with a broom and shovel. Video evidence from a nearby camera reportedly contradicted Castro’s account, according to court filings.
Political and Legal Fallout
The case has drawn national attention amid broader debates over immigration enforcement and interstate extradition disputes. Abbott, a Republican, has faced criticism from Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, including Gov. Tim Walz, who called the situation a “political stunt.” Abbott’s office has emphasized that the governor is following state law by conducting a review before deciding on extradition.
Ellison, in a statement following the ruling, vowed that Castro would still face justice in Minnesota. “I respectfully but strongly disagree with the court’s order,” he said. “We will continue to pursue every legal avenue to ensure that Christian Castro is held accountable for his actions.”
What Happens Next?
With Castro’s release imminent unless further legal action is taken, Minnesota’s options appear limited. The state could pursue additional court filings to compel Abbott’s decision or argue that the governor’s delay violates the U.S. Constitution’s Extradition Clause, which requires governors to deliver fugitives upon demand. However, legal experts note that governors have broad discretion in extradition matters, and courts have historically deferred to executive decisions in such cases.
The Texas Secretary of State’s investigation into Castro’s case remains ongoing, and its findings could influence Abbott’s final decision on extradition. If Abbott ultimately refuses to sign the warrant, Minnesota would need to pursue alternative legal strategies to secure Castro’s return.