A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent accused of shooting a Venezuelan immigrant and later providing false information about the incident has been arrested in Texas. The case has attracted significant attention after prosecutors alleged that the shooting was unjustified and that initial reports did not accurately reflect what happened.
ICE Agent Arrested Over Minnesota Shooting Incident
Christian Castro, 52, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, was arrested in Texas after investigators tracked him down in connection with a January shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Castro faces four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.
Prosecutors announced the arrest after investigators from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension worked with federal authorities and Texas law enforcement to locate him.
Arrest Carried Out in Texas
Authorities said Castro was taken into custody on Friday morning by agents from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and members of the Texas Rangers.
The arrest took place in the presence of investigators from Minnesota who have been handling the case.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty described the arrest as an important step in moving the prosecution forward.
Shooting Happened During Immigration Operation
The incident dates back to January 14, when federal agents were conducting immigration-related enforcement activities in north Minneapolis.
According to prosecutors, Castro was attempting to arrest a Venezuelan national named Alfredo Aljorna following a vehicle pursuit.
Investigators allege that the chase ended at a duplex where Aljorna and another Venezuelan immigrant, Julio Sosa-Celis, lived.
Prosecutors Say Agent Fired Through Front Door
Authorities claim Castro fired his weapon through the front door of the duplex, striking Sosa-Celis in the leg.
According to prosecutors, Castro knew that individuals had just entered the home before he fired the shot.
Investigators further allege that he was standing alone outside the residence and was not facing an immediate physical threat when the gun was discharged.
The shooting injured Sosa-Celis but did not result in a fatality.
Earlier Charges Against Immigrants Dismissed
Following the incident, federal authorities accused Aljorna and Sosa-Celis of assaulting law enforcement officers with a broom handle and a snow shovel.
However, those charges were later dismissed.
In February, the U.S. Department of Justice informed the court that newly discovered evidence was materially inconsistent with the original allegations.
As a result, a federal judge dismissed the charges against both men.
Internal Investigation Raised Concerns
The case took another turn when video evidence emerged during the investigation.
According to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, the footage suggested that sworn statements provided by two officers may not have accurately described what happened during the incident.
The concerns prompted a joint investigation involving ICE and the Department of Justice.
Following the review, Castro was placed on administrative leave.
Charges Filed Against Castro
Prosecutors have charged Castro with the following offences:
| Charge | Details |
|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Four counts |
| False Reporting | One count |
| Shooting Incident | Alleged unlawful discharge of a firearm |
| Victim Injury | Venezuelan immigrant shot in the leg |
The charges stem from allegations that Castro acted unlawfully when he fired into the occupied residence and later provided inaccurate information regarding the incident.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Castro’s arrest marks the latest development in a case that has raised questions about law enforcement conduct and accountability.
Authorities have stated that federal employment status does not exempt individuals from facing state criminal charges when accused of violating the law.
The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly commented on the latest arrest.
