ICE officer pleads not guilty to charges related to Minneapolis shooting of Venezuelan man

A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer pleaded not guilty on September 5, 2026, to charges of lying about a January shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis. Christian Castro appeared in a Texas federal court facing six charges of making "materially false" statements to investigators, according to federal court documents that were unsealed on the same day. Castro turned himself in to authorities on September 4, 2026. A judge ordered his release on a $75,000 unsecured bond and required him to wear an ankle monitor. The charges are related to the January 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was shot in the leg. Castro and his partner attempted to stop a vehicle driven by another Venezuelan citizen, who fled, leading to a foot chase. Castro caught up to the driver, resulting in a physical struggle. Sosa-Celis attempted to assist the driver, and both fled into a nearby apartment duplex. Castro then drew his service weapon and fired a single shot through the front door, hitting Sosa-Celis in the leg. At the time of the shooting, two 1-year-old children and two women were present inside the home. Castro allegedly claimed to investigators that he was assaulted by multiple individuals wielding tools, stating he was hit with a broom and a snow shovel during the confrontation. He also claimed he was on his back when he fired at the fleeing men. However, video evidence contradicted these statements, leading to an investigation. Federal prosecutors stated that Castro was standing when he opened fire and disputed his claim that he fought the suspect on the ground for three minutes, noting that the struggle lasted about 11 seconds. Castro faces separate charges in Minnesota and was previously arrested in Texas in May. His case has involved a legal dispute with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has refused to extradite him to Minnesota.