ICE Agent Charged for False Statements in Minneapolis Shooting During Metro Surge
ICE agent Christian Castro was federally charged with false statements about a 2026 Minneapolis shooting.
Why it matters: This is the first federal prosecution of an ICE agent linked to Operation Metro Surge, highlighting DOJ's increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement. Legal professionals should note evolving federal oversight and accountability in immigration-related cases.
- On January 14, 2026, ICE agent Christian Castro shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement initiative targeting non-citizens in Minneapolis.
- Castro claimed self-defense after being attacked with a broom handle and snow shovel but surveillance footage contradicted this account.
- On September 2, 2026, the Department of Justice charged Castro with making false statements to investigators, the first such federal charge connected to Operation Metro Surge.
- Minnesota charged Castro with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime; extradition from Texas was blocked by the governor and a federal judge.
Operation Metro Surge is a Minneapolis-based immigration enforcement campaign focusing on identifying and arresting non-citizens involved in criminal activity. On January 14, 2026, during this operation, ICE agent Christian Castro shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national, in the leg, asserting he acted in self-defense against an assault using a broom handle and snow shovel.
However, surveillance footage captured by local cameras contradicted Castro's statements. The Department of Justice (DOJ) subsequently charged him on September 2, 2026, with making false statements to federal investigators. This marks the DOJ's first federal prosecution of an ICE agent tied to the Metro Surge operation, indicating heightened federal scrutiny.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed that a joint review by DOJ and ICE uncovered Castro’s untruthful testimony along with that of another officer, prompting administrative leave and internal disciplinary actions.
Separately, Minnesota state authorities have charged Castro with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime. Attempts to extradite Castro from Texas faltered when Governor Greg Abbott declined to sign the extradition warrant. A federal judge also refused to enforce the extradition, resulting in Castro’s release.
Operation Metro Surge led to 131 arrests, including 87 non-citizens, but only 44 cases were accepted for prosecution by the U.S. Attorney's Office, as detailed in DOJ and media reports. The selective prosecution pattern, alongside Castro’s federal charges, highlights mounting legal and political pressures on immigration enforcement and law enforcement accountability in Minneapolis.
For legal professionals, this case underscores evolving DOJ enforcement priorities and the complexities of overlapping federal and state jurisdiction in high-profile immigration-related incidents.
Additional information comes from DOJ press releases and court documents illuminating the prosecution's legal basis and procedural developments.
By the numbers:
- 131 arrests — total made during Operation Metro Surge
- 87 non-citizens arrested — included in Metro Surge operation
- 44 cases — accepted for prosecution by U.S. Attorney’s Office following Metro Surge
Yes, but: While federal charges emphasize DOJ oversight, state-level proceedings and extradition difficulties highlight challenges in enforcing accountability across jurisdictions.
What's next: Federal and state legal proceedings against Castro are ongoing, with trial dates pending and potential further investigations into Operation Metro Surge conduct anticipated.