Minnesota Sues Texas in Federal Castro Extradition Case

Ellison filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott to compel the extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, who is charged in Minneapolis with four counts of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and one count of falsely reporting a crime after the January shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis. The suit seeks to block the Cameron County sheriff from releasing Castro and to require Abbott to sign the extradition warrant so Minnesota deputies can take him into custody. Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty argue Abbott’s refusal to sign violates constitutional and federal/state extradition requirements, potentially allowing Castro to flee to Mexico. Castro has been detained in Texas since May on a nationwide warrant, with Minnesota officials contending the shooting occurred during Operation Metro Surge, and Casto’s account contested by video and witness evidence. Abbott’s office has not commented on the pending extradition matter, while Minnesota officials have framed the move as essential to accountability for serious charges. The case has drawn broad coverage, highlighting cross-border enforcement tensions in immigration-related operations.