ICE Agent Appears in Court Over Shooting of Venezuelan Immigrant During Metro Surge
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — September 21, 2026

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent has appeared in court in Minnesota after being charged over the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant during Operation Metro Surge earlier this year.

Christian Castro, 52, faces state charges including second-degree assault and falsely reporting a crime in connection with the January 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in north Minneapolis. He also faces separate federal charges accusing him of making false statements to the FBI.

Shooting Happened in January
According to prosecutors, Castro pursued Sosa-Celis to an apartment in north Minneapolis before firing through the closed front door.

Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg and survived.

Castro initially told investigators that he had been attacked by Sosa-Celis and others with objects including a broom and a snow shovel. Prosecutors later said surveillance video contradicted that account and showed Castro firing through the door while standing outside.

The bullet reportedly traveled into the home, where other people, including children, were present.

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

Federal prosecutors separately indicted him on six counts of making materially false statements to the FBI. Each federal count carries a potential maximum sentence of six years if convicted.

Castro pleaded not guilty to the federal charges during a September 18 hearing in U.S. District Court in St. Paul.

Months-Long Legal Dispute
Castro was initially arrested in Texas after Minnesota authorities sought to bring him back to the state.

He spent about 90 days in a Texas jail while officials considered Minnesota’s extradition request. He was released in August after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declined to approve the extradition request. Castro later returned to Minnesota and was arrested there on September 16.

A Minnesota judge set bail at $200,000 with conditions, and Castro was subsequently released after posting bail. Conditions included surrendering his passport and restrictions on travel.

Investigation Continues
The shooting occurred during Operation Metro Surge, a large federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.

Castro has been suspended from ICE, while authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. His attorney has disputed prosecutors’ characterization of events, and Castro remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

His next state court appearance is scheduled for November 3, 2026, while the federal case is proceeding separately.

Sources
MPR News — ICE agent charged with shooting, wounding man during Operation Metro Surge
Minnesota Star Tribune — ICE agent appears in court over shooting
Reuters — ICE agent pleads not guilty to lying about Minneapolis shooting
AP News — Bail set for ICE officer accused of lying and assault
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An ICE agent has appeared in court after being charged over the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant during an immigration operation in Minneapolis.

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