A federal immigration officer, Christian Castro, is facing state and federal charges for shooting and wounding a Venezuelan man during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis earlier this year. The officer allegedly lied to investigators about the incident, claiming he was attacked with a broom and a shovel.
Minnesota authorities recently arrested Castro for assault and false reporting of a crime, sparking a dispute with Texas over his extradition. Castro, who is also set to appear in federal court on separate charges of making false statements, remains in custody without bond awaiting hearings in state and federal courts.
This case marks the first prosecution of a federal officer in connection with Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement effort that led to protests and fatal shootings in the Twin Cities. Prosecutors allege that Castro shot the victim through a door, then falsely claimed self-defense.
Despite objections from the Department of Homeland Security, Minnesota is pursuing charges against Castro, who was initially arrested in Texas but later indicted federally. His defense plans to plead not guilty to the allegations.
