An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Christian Castro, 52, has been arrested in Texas in connection with the shooting of a Venezuelan man during a controversial immigration raid in Minneapolis. The arrest occurred on Friday after Minnesota investigators, with assistance from the Texas Rangers and the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general’s office, located Castro in the southern state. He faces four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.

The charges are linked to the non-fatal shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis on January 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. The incident took place during Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement campaign that had previously drawn criticism for its aggressive tactics. Prosecutors allege that Castro fired his weapon through the front door of a residence, hitting Sosa-Celis in the leg.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office stated that Castro discharged his weapon through the front door of a home while knowing people had just run inside. The bullet reportedly passed through the door, struck the victim in the leg, and ultimately lodged in the wall of a child's room. Federal authorities had initially claimed that Sosa-Celis and another man assaulted ICE officers.

Minnesota officials expressed satisfaction with Castro's arrest, emphasizing that federal agents are subject to the same legal standards as all citizens. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that the state believes in equal justice under the law and that no one, including federal agents, is above it. He added his pleasure that Castro has been taken into custody to stand trial for the alleged crimes in Minnesota.

Operation Metro Surge has been facing increasing legal scrutiny following the incident. The initial claims by federal authorities that Sosa-Celis and another man had assaulted ICE officers were contested, leading to a deeper investigation into the events surrounding the shooting. The case has highlighted ongoing tensions and debates surrounding the methods employed by federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Further details regarding the specific circumstances that led to Castro discharging his weapon remain under investigation. The Hennepin County Attorney's office has indicated that the charges reflect the belief that Castro fired his weapon into an occupied dwelling without justification, and subsequently, the reporting of the incident may have been inaccurate.

The arrest of an ICE agent for actions taken during an enforcement operation is a significant development. It raises questions about accountability within federal law enforcement agencies and the legal ramifications when alleged misconduct occurs during such operations. The outcome of this case is likely to be closely watched by civil rights advocates and immigration reform groups.

This incident also brings renewed attention to the broader context of immigration enforcement in the United States. The aggressive tactics employed during operations like Metro Surge have been a point of contention, with critics arguing they can lead to violations of civil liberties and excessive force. The legal proceedings against Agent Castro will likely shed more light on the specific protocols and oversight mechanisms in place for ICE operations.