Judge denies Minnesota bid to extradite ICE officer from Texas, paving way for his release

A federal judge on Wednesday rejected Minnesota's request to halt the extradition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Christian Castro. The judge denied the request because the matter lacks urgency, stating Minnesota's case is based on allegations that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has violated the Extradition Act by refusing to sign Castro's rendition warrant.

Governor Abbott has neither agreed nor refused to sign the warrant, but instead requested the Texas Secretary of State investigate Minnesota's demand and report back on Castro's situation. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison disagreed with the court's decision, asserting that Castro will face justice in Minnesota despite the ruling.

Ellison emphasized that Castro is a flight risk and that Minnesota will suffer if he flees to Mexico. The governor's hesitation to sign the extradition warrant is seen as an atypical delay, according to Ellison. Minnesota officials, including Attorney General Keith Ellison, will continue fighting to ensure Castro's return to face his criminal charges.