Minnesota’s top law enforcement official has taken the extraordinary step of filing a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott for refusing to extradite a federal immigration agent charged with shooting an unarmed man and lying about the incident.

Federal Agent Charged After Video Contradicts Testimony

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Christian Castro, 52, faces four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsifying a crime report stemming from a January 14 incident in Minneapolis. Castro allegedly fired his weapon through the front door of a home, striking Venezuelan resident Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg during an immigration enforcement operation. The Trump administration initially claimed agents fired in self-defense after being attacked with a broom and snow shovel. Then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called it an attempted murder of an ICE agent.

Video evidence later emerged that contradicted the federal agents’ sworn testimony. In February, federal prosecutors dropped all charges against Sosa-Celis and his housemate. ICE’s then-Acting Director confirmed two officers appeared to have made untruthful statements under oath. Both agents were placed on administrative leave, and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed state criminal charges against Castro in May, emphasizing that his federal badge does not grant immunity from state prosecution.

Three-Month Standoff Over Extradition

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed the lawsuit Tuesday in federal district court in southern Texas, arguing that Governor Abbott has ignored his mandatory constitutional obligation to transfer Castro for trial. Castro was arrested May 29 in Texas and has remained in custody. Under Texas law, he could be released as soon as next week if Abbott does not approve the extradition within 90 days of detention. Ellison warned that Castro poses a flight risk with connections to Mexico and requested the court bar Cameron County Sheriff from releasing him.

Part of Controversial Immigration Crackdown

The shooting occurred during Operation Metro Surge, an intense immigration enforcement campaign in Minneapolis lasting from December through February. Critics accused federal agents of using escalating tactics including warrantless home searches. Two American citizens died during protests against the operation. Abbott’s office declined to comment on the pending extradition matter. The case has become central to national debates over accountability and use of force during the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, raising questions about whether federal agents can be held accountable under state law for actions taken during immigration enforcement operations.