Trump’s DOJ Blocked Serious ICE Shooting Charge Over Federal Prosecutor’s “Strongest Possible” Objections
The post Trump’s DOJ Blocked Serious ICE Shooting Charge Over Federal Prosecutor’s “Strongest Possible” Objections appeared first on ProPublica .
Over objections from the federal prosecutor handling the case, Department of Justice leaders in Washington, D.C. blocked plans to bring civil rights charges against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent accused of shooting a Venezuelan immigrant. The agent, Christian Castro, allegedly shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg during Operation Metro Surge, a Trump administration immigration effort.
Castro could have faced charges akin to those given to Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd's death, potentially leading to a significant prison sentence. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Evans informed Sosa-Celis' legal team that Castro would only face a charge of false statements, which carries a lesser punishment.
This decision was directed by the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney. The move has raised concerns that the DOJ is prioritizing President Trump's political agenda over upholding the rule of law.
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