Texas Judge Delays Extradition of Suspended ICE Officer Charged in Minnesota Shooting
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A federal judge in Texas ruled that the state can postpone complying with Minnesota's request to extradite former ICE officer Christian Castro, who faces felony assault charges and a possible federal civil-rights violation.
A Texas federal judge on Wednesday issued an opinion that allows Governor Greg Abbott to delay responding to Minnesota’s extradition request for former ICE officer Christian Castro. Castro, who was suspended after allegedly firing a weapon into a Minneapolis residence in January 2026, faces four felony assault counts and a false-reporting charge in Minnesota, as well as a potential federal civil-rights charge.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz formally sought Castro’s extradition on June 2, but Abbott initiated a state investigation questioning whether Castro qualifies as a “fugitive” under the Constitution. The judge ruled that because Abbott has not yet issued a formal denial, the court cannot compel Texas to surrender Castro until the investigation concludes, effectively extending the 90-day limit on Castro’s detention in a Texas jail.
The decision means Castro was released on Thursday and could remain in Texas or possibly flee to Mexico, where he has contacts. Legal experts note that even if he is eventually returned to Minnesota, state prosecutors must still confront precedent from the 1890 In re Neagle decision, which limits state prosecution of federal officers acting within official duties, though the 2025 Martin v. United States ruling narrows that protection.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over accountability for federal law-enforcement actions. Abbott later posted on social media criticizing Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and labeling Minnesota a “sanctuary state,” further underscoring the political dimension of the dispute.