ICE Agent Charged with Lying About Shooting Incident Involving Venezuelan Migrant

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been charged with lying about the non-fatal shooting of a Venezuelan migrant in Minnesota. Christian Castro, who is not currently in custody, faces a six-count federal indictment related to the shooting that occurred on January 14, according to CBS, a partner of the BBC. The Department of Homeland Security initially stated that Castro fired in self-defense after being attacked by three Venezuelan migrants armed with a shovel and broom handle. However, Minnesota investigators allege that Castro fired through a closed door, striking the man in the leg. It is uncommon for the current Justice Department to accuse a federal agent of misconduct while on duty. In Minnesota, Castro is also facing separate charges of assault and false reporting related to the shooting. He was among thousands of federal immigration officers deployed to Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge, which led to protests and the deaths of two U.S. citizens during confrontations with agents. Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was shot in the leg but survived, were initially charged with forcibly assaulting federal officers. After surveillance video raised doubts about the agents' account, federal prosecutors began an investigation. In February, ICE indicated that two immigration agents might have made false statements regarding the shooting and placed them on administrative leave. The charges against the migrants were later dismissed due to newly discovered evidence, according to CBS. Castro was arrested in Texas in May and held for three months. Minnesota's top prosecutor requested his extradition for trial, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott denied the request, citing doubts about Castro's status as a fugitive. Castro was released from custody in Texas last week. Minnesota officials reported that Castro discharged his weapon through the front door of a residence while knowing that individuals had just entered. The bullet went through the door, struck one person in the leg, and ultimately hit the wall of a child's room. In a statement, Minnesota's top prosecutor Keith Ellison expressed support for the federal charges against Castro but noted that the indictment did not fully capture the severity of the violent crimes he faces in Minnesota. Ellison's office confirmed that the state's case against Castro would proceed independently of the federal prosecution.