Minnesota Sues Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Over Delayed Extradition of ICE Agent

Minnesota officials are asking a federal court to force Texas to turn over an ICE agent facing assault charges connected to a January Minneapolis shooting.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, asking the court to force Texas to approve the extradition of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent facing criminal charges in Minnesota.

The lawsuit centers on ICE agent Christian Castro, who was arrested in Texas in May after Minnesota authorities issued a warrant connected to a January shooting in Minneapolis.

Why Minnesota Wants Castro Returned

Minnesota prosecutors have charged Castro with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.

Authorities allege that Castro fired through the front door of a Minneapolis home on January 14, striking Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg. Prosecutors say the bullet continued into a child's bedroom wall.

Why the Extradition Is Being Challenged

Minnesota officials say they requested Castro's extradition after his arrest, but Texas has not completed the process.

The lawsuit argues that Texas officials are required to act on Minnesota's extradition request and says the delay is unusual compared with previous extradition cases involving the two states. 

Castro Could Be Released From Jail

Minnesota officials are also concerned about how long Castro can remain detained in Texas while the extradition process is unresolved.

Ellison said Castro could become eligible for release under Texas law after 90 days in custody. Minnesota officials argue that releasing him could create a risk that he leaves the country before facing the charges in Minnesota. 

What Happens Next

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to prevent the Texas jail from releasing Castro and to require Abbott to sign the extradition warrant so Minnesota authorities can take custody of him.

The legal dispute now moves to federal court as Minnesota seeks to bring Castro back to the state to face the charges against him.

Castro has been charged with crimes, but the allegations against him have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.