Federal Indictment Includes Six Counts

Christian Castro, who is not yet in custody, faces a six-count federal indictment related to a January 14 shooting, according to the BBC’s US media partner CBS.

Initial Accounts Differ from Investigation Findings

The Department of Homeland Security initially stated that Castro fired in self-defense after being attacked by three illegal Venezuelan migrants with a shovel and broom handle. Minnesota investigators, however, allege that Castro fired through a closed door, shooting the man in the leg.

It is rare for the current justice department to accuse a federal agent of breaking the law on the job. In Minnesota, Castro faces separate charges of assault and false reporting of a crime related to the shooting.

Context: Operation Metro Surge and Controversial Protests

Castro was one of thousands of federal immigration officers deployed to the Midwestern state during Operation Metro Surge, which sparked fierce protests and resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of agents during confrontations.

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was shot in the leg and survived, were originally charged with forcibly assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers. After surveillance video raised questions about the agents’ version of events, federal prosecutors investigated them.

In February, ICE said two immigration agents might have made “untruthful statements” about the shooting. They were placed on administrative leave. The charges against the migrants were later dismissed, with prosecutors citing “newly discovered evidence”, CBS reported.

Castro was arrested in Texas in May and detained for three months. Minnesota’s top prosecutor requested his extradition to stand trial, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott denied the request, stating he had “serious doubts” that Castro qualified as a fugitive. Castro was released from custody in Texas last week.

Minnesota officials have said the agent discharged his weapon through the front door of a home “knowing there were people who had just run inside.” The bullet went through the door and struck one person in the leg, making its final impact in the wall of a child’s room, they said.

The BBC has approached the office of Minnesota’s top prosecutor for comment.