ICE officer charged in Minneapolis shooting released from Texas jail, AP reports

Christian Castro, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, has been released from a Texas jail after being charged in connection with a Minneapolis shooting during Operation Metro Surge. The shooting occurred on January 14, when Castro allegedly shot a Venezuelan migrant in the leg and arrested two others. Castro was charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.

However, a federal judge denied Minnesota's request for a temporary restraining order to prevent Castro's release. Castro was accused of lying about the shooting, but investigators found footage from a nearby camera that disproved his claims. Castro was arrested in Texas on May 29 and has been held in custody since then. The U.S. Attorney's Office is conducting an investigation into Castro's statements, which could lead to disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.

Minnesota officials warned Castro could flee the country, but the judge denied the state's extradition request, citing the lack of a ripe issue for adjudication. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has stated that he will investigate Minnesota's demand and report back. Castro's attorney, Keith Ellison, stated that Castro will still face justice in Minnesota, and Abbott's press secretary called Castro's defense unprepared and unpersuasive.