Texas judge hints release of ICE agent in extradition

A Texas judge indicated that ICE agent Christian Castro could be released from Cameron County jail as early as Thursday due to Texas’ 90-day detention limit, while Minnesota seeks his extradition for a January Minneapolis shooting in which Castro is charged with four counts of second-degree assault and falsely reporting a crime. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. denied Minnesota’s bid for a temporary restraining order to keep Castro jailed or compel Texas to extradite, saying the matter did not present ripe issues and that Governor Greg Abbott’s position remains undecided on whether to sign the rendition warrant. Minnesota argues Abbott has refused to act on the extradition, but the judge noted Abbott has neither agreed nor refused and has asked the Secretary of State to report on the case. The case centers on Castro’s account of the events and investigators’ use of video footage to challenge his claim of self-defense. Minnesota officials warn Castro could flee the country if released, citing communications with a woman in Mexico, while Abbott’s office argues the extradition decision should await state determinations. The topic remains entangled in a broader dispute between Minnesota and Texas over extradition authority and process.