ICE Agent Indicted for Shooting Released in Texas After Extradition Request Denied

An ICE agent indicted for a shooting during Operation Metro Surge has been released from jail in Texas after Governor Greg Abbott successfully delayed Minnesota's extradition request. Christian Castro's release occurred following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. in Brownsville, who stated that he lacked jurisdiction to intervene because Abbott had not officially rejected the extradition request. The judge noted that while Abbott had considered the request for an extended period, Texas law permits the state to hold a fugitive for only 90 days while extradition is pending. Castro's 90 days ended on the day of his release. The judge also denied Minnesota's request to keep Castro in custody during ongoing legal proceedings. Abbott's handling of the extradition request involved a delay of two months, during which he processed other extraditions to Minnesota. The judge expressed skepticism regarding Abbott's claim that Castro was not a fugitive, suggesting that the legal definition of 'fugitive' may not support Abbott's position. Minnesota now faces the option of appealing to the 5th Circuit or waiting for Abbott to officially refuse the extradition. Meanwhile, Castro may have connections in Mexico, where he reportedly owns property and has a partner. In a separate matter, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) is not immune from prosecution related to the Delaney Hall incident, stating that her actions were non-legislative. Additionally, the State Department designated three European groups as transnational terrorist organizations, part of a broader effort to address perceived leftist extremism.