ICE Responds After Release of Agent Christian Castro; Suspended Without Pay
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Brownsville, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the case of ICE agent Christian Castro, who was released Thursday morning from the Cameron County jail after the legal 90-day period related to his extradition process to Minnesota concluded. A senior DHS official confirmed that Castro has been suspended without pay while the investigation related to the case continues. 'The officer in question has been suspended without pay during the ongoing investigation,' the official stated. DHS also reported that the Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating statements made under oath. 'Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is actively investigating these statements,' the official indicated. According to DHS, upon conclusion of the investigation, the involved officers could face disciplinary measures, including termination, in addition to possible criminal charges. The agency emphasized that ICE members must adhere to high standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct, assuring that violations of that oath will not be tolerated. DHS did not specify in its statement what sworn statements are under investigation nor did it detail which other officers might be involved. Castro was released after the 90-day period expired. He left the Cameron County Jail around 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, after being detained while Minnesota sought his extradition. In an interview with Telemundo 40, Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño confirmed his release. 'This morning we released Agent Castro. We have complied with the regulations and what the law requires. Now it is up to the state of Minnesota and the governor to decide what will happen,' Treviño stated. The release occurred after Federal Judge Fernando Rodríguez Jr. denied Minnesota's request to keep Castro detained and to compel Texas Governor Greg Abbott to immediately sign his extradition. The judge determined that the case was premature since Abbott had not formally rejected the extradition request and Texas was still reviewing it. However, Rodríguez expressed doubts about Texas's argument that Castro cannot be considered a fugitive because he returned to the state under ICE orders. What is Christian Castro accused of? The case dates back to January 14, 2026, during the federal operation known as 'Operation Metro Surge' in Minneapolis. According to the criminal complaint, Castro chased a man to a residence and allegedly fired through a door. The bullet injured Julio César Sosa-Celis in the leg and subsequently struck the wall of a minor's bedroom. Castro claimed he had been attacked and that he fired because he feared for his safety. However, investigators maintain that videos of the incident contradict parts of his account. The agent faces four counts of second-degree assault and one for allegedly falsely reporting a crime in Minnesota. What’s next in the case? The Texas Rangers arrested Castro on May 29 in Cameron County after Minnesota requested his extradition. Governor Greg Abbott has questioned whether Castro can be legally considered a fugitive due to the circumstances under which he returned to Texas. Minnesota has rejected that argument and went to federal court in an attempt to move forward with the extradition. Now that Castro is free, the dispute over his possible extradition continues, while DHS keeps the agent suspended without pay and the Federal Prosecutor's Office investigates the sworn statements related to the case.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
