ICE Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges in Minneapolis Shooting

ICE Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges in Minneapolis Shooting Case

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has pleaded not guilty to six federal charges related to a shooting incident in Minneapolis. The officer, Christian Castro, is accused of lying to the FBI about the January 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a 24-year-old man. Prosecutors allege that Castro shot Sosa-Celis through a front door and then provided a false account of the events to investigators.

The federal indictment focuses on six specific statements Castro allegedly made to an FBI agent. The case stems from a confrontation that prosecutors claim happened very differently from Castro’s description. Evidence, including video footage, reportedly shows the interaction lasted only about 11 seconds, a stark contrast to the roughly three minutes Castro described. The Hennepin County Attorney’s office stated that the bullet fired by Castro entered a child’s bedroom wall, highlighting the danger involved.

State Charges Parallel Federal Case

The federal charges are not the only legal action Castro faces. He also appeared in Hennepin County state court, where Minnesota prosecutors have charged him with four counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of falsely reporting a crime. These state charges relate to the alleged shooting itself and the false report made afterward. Castro had previously been in state custody before surrendering to federal authorities. His bail in the state case was set at $200,000, with specific conditions, and he was released on bond.

The state case also details that Castro fired through the front door of a north Minneapolis home, with the bullet striking a child’s bedroom wall. Prosecutors noted that this confrontation occurred during “Operation Metro Surge,” an immigration enforcement initiative from the Trump administration in Minneapolis. Evidence, including surveillance footage, has reportedly contradicted Castro’s initial account, leading to the dismissal of earlier federal charges that had been filed against Sosa-Celis and another individual.

Defense Vows to Fight Allegations

Michael Wynn, one of Castro’s attorneys, stated that his client voluntarily surrendered to both state and federal authorities. Wynn expressed confidence in their defense, saying they look forward to litigating the matters and presenting their case in court to achieve an acquittal. Another attorney associated with the case, Daniel Gerdts, declined to comment following the state court hearing. Castro maintains his plea of not guilty to all six federal counts.

Extradition Dispute and Federal Proceedings

Earlier, Minnesota authorities had sought Castro’s extradition from Texas after filing charges in May. However, Texas Governor Greg Abbott refused to sign the extradition warrant. The Department of Homeland Security commented on the situation, calling the prosecution “unlawful and nothing more than a political stunt.” Despite this dispute, Castro eventually appeared in Minnesota state court and turned himself in to federal officials. The federal case is now proceeding separately from the state prosecution.

Castro’s next federal court appearance is scheduled for October 28. The federal indictment, returned in early September, specifically addresses Castro’s alleged false statements to the FBI regarding the shooting. The Minnesota prosecution, meanwhile, covers the alleged shooting and the false reporting charge. Castro remains free on bond as both legal proceedings continue.

Frequently Asked Questions