NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsSeptember 3, 2026Miami-Dade
Federal authorities charge ICE officer Christian Castro with lying to investigators regarding Minneapolis shooting
Federal prosecutors have charged ICE officer Christian Castro with making false statements to investigators concerning the January shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during Operation Metro Surge. Castro, who is now in federal custody, previously faced separate state-level assault and false reporting charges in Minnesota that were delayed by an extradition dispute with Texas.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – PoliticsWhy It Matters
This case marks the first federal prosecution of an immigration officer involved in Operation Metro Surge, a massive enforcement effort that has faced scrutiny over officer conduct and the deaths of two U.S. citizens.
Key Facts
- Christian Castro is the first federal immigration officer prosecuted for actions taken during Operation Metro Surge.
- Castro is charged with making false statements to federal investigators regarding the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.
- Sosa-Celis was shot in the thigh through the door of an occupied home in January.
- Federal prosecutors previously dropped charges against Sosa-Celis and another man after video evidence contradicted officer claims that they attacked officers with a broom handle and snow shovel.
- Castro was suspended from ICE without pay in February.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott previously refused to extradite Castro to Minnesota, where he faces separate state charges of assault and false reporting.
- Federal prosecutor Matthew Evans was fired and is under investigation for alleged obstruction of a grand jury probe related to this case.
- The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota stated that Sosa-Celis intends to seek damages from the federal government.
- Operation Metro Surge was the largest immigration enforcement operation in Department of Homeland Security history.
Who's Mentioned
personJulio Cesar Sosa-Celis“Victim of a nonfatal shooting by an ICE officer.”otherOperation Metro Surge“Large-scale immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities.”personMatthew Evans“Former federal prosecutor fired and under investigation for alleged obstruction.”personChristian Castro“ICE officer charged with making false statements to federal investigators.”personGreg Abbott“Governor of Texas who refused to sign an extradition warrant for Castro.”personTodd Lyons“Former acting director of ICE.”