Fugitive Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Charged in Minneapolis Shooting Captured in Texas
Christian Castro, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent facing an assault charge in the shooting of a Venezuelan man during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, was taken into custody Friday morning. The arrest ends a weeks-long search for Castro, who had been evading law enforcement since the incident. Authorities confirmed the capture occurred in Texas, though specific details of the takedown have not yet been released.
Charges and Incident Details
Castro was originally charged with assault in connection with the non-fatal shooting of a Venezuelan man during a crackdown on illegal immigration in Minnesota. The incident took place as federal agents intensified enforcement actions in the state, targeting individuals with outstanding removal orders. Court documents indicate the victim was shot during a confrontation with Castro, who was acting in his official capacity as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent at the time. The precise location and date of the shooting within Minnesota have not been publicly specified by prosecutors.
Fugitive Status and Capture
Following the filing of charges, Castro failed to appear for court proceedings and was declared a fugitive. Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and local police, launched a coordinated manhunt. On Friday morning, May 29, 2026, Castro was apprehended in Texas, ending his period on the run. Officials have not disclosed whether he resisted arrest or the exact circumstances of his capture. He is now being held pending extradition to Minnesota to face the assault charge.
Legal and Professional Ramifications
Castro’s status as a former federal law enforcement officer adds a layer of complexity to the case. The assault charge stems from actions taken during an immigration enforcement operation, raising questions about the use of force by agents in the field. If convicted, Castro could face significant prison time and the loss of any law enforcement credentials. His capture also marks a notable development in the broader scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics during the Minnesota crackdown.
Context
The case echoes similar incidents involving federal agents charged with misconduct during immigration operations. In 2023, a Border Patrol agent in Arizona was charged with excessive force after shooting an unarmed migrant near the border. Separately, in 2024, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in California pleaded guilty to assault for striking a detainee during an arrest. These cases highlight ongoing tensions between enforcement priorities and accountability measures for law enforcement personnel.