An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer turned himself in to federal authorities after being charged with lying to investigators about a shooting that injured a Minneapolis man during an immigration enforcement operation in January.

The Federal Charges

Christian Castro, 52, entered federal custody facing charges of making false statements to investigators about the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. The incident occurred when Castro and another ICE officer pursued a different individual to a Minneapolis apartment duplex. According to Minnesota officials, Castro fired through the front door of the residence, striking Sosa-Celis in the thigh. Castro was suspended from ICE without pay in February as federal authorities launched their investigation into the matter.

The case has sparked a jurisdictional dispute between state and federal authorities. The Department of Homeland Security previously called Minnesota’s prosecution of Castro unlawful and a political stunt, asserting that only federal authorities have jurisdiction. A federal judge recently refused to order Texas to extradite Castro, leading to his release from a Cameron County, Texas jail one week ago, despite Minnesota officials’ concerns that he might flee to Mexico.

Ongoing Investigation Questions

Sources familiar with the investigation indicate the civil rights probe continues, with no final decision made on additional charges. This contradicts statements from former prosecutor Matthew Evans, who has since been fired and is under investigation for alleged obstruction of a grand jury probe. The discrepancy highlights ongoing uncertainty about whether federal authorities will pursue more serious charges beyond false statements. Evans has not responded to inquiries, with his Justice Department email showing he is currently on leave from his position.

Legal Battle and Accountability

Robin Wolpert, representing Sosa-Celis, sharply criticized the federal response, stating the Justice Department has grossly undercharged the case. Wolpert argued that Castro’s false statements were made to cover up shooting his client through the door of an occupied house without self-defense justification. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota announced that Sosa-Celis plans to seek damages from the federal government. ICE leadership emphasized their commitment to accountability when Castro was initially suspended, with then-acting director Todd Lyons declaring that violations of the sworn oath will not be tolerated and affirming the agency’s dedication to transparency and fair enforcement of immigration laws.