NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 26, 2026Hillsborough
Judge denies Minnesota request to keep ICE agent in Texas jail during extradition dispute
A federal judge denied Minnesota's request for a restraining order to keep ICE agent Christian Castro in a Texas jail, allowing his release while the state continues to seek his extradition for a January shooting in Minneapolis. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has not yet signed the extradition warrant, citing a need for further review by his Secretary of State.
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The ruling allows an ICE agent charged with assault in Minnesota to be released from Texas custody, raising questions about the timeline and process for interstate of criminal suspects.
Key Facts
- Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. denied Minnesota's petition for a temporary restraining order to keep Christian Castro in jail.
- Christian Castro is scheduled for release from Cameron County Jail on Thursday.
- Texas law limits detention for extradition purposes to 90 days.
- Christian Castro has been in custody in Texas since late May.
- Castro faces four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime in Minnesota.
- The charges stem from a January 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during Operation Metro Surge.
- Minnesota officials allege Castro is a flight risk due to communications with a person in Mexico.
- Governor Greg Abbott has not signed the extradition warrant, stating he is awaiting a determination from his Secretary of State.
- The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly in discussions with Minnesota prosecutors regarding potential federal charges against Castro.
Who's Mentioned
locationCameron County Jail“Facility where Castro was detained”personKeith Ellison“Minnesota Attorney General”personJulio Cesar Sosa-Celis“Victim of the shooting”personMary Moriarty“Hennepin County Attorney”personGreg Abbott“Governor of Texas”personChristian Castro“ICE agent charged with assault in Minnesota”personFernando Rodriguez Jr.“Federal judge who denied the restraining order”