A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been charged with lying about the non-fatal shooting of a Venezuelan migrant in Minnesota. Christian Castro, who is not yet in custody, faces a six-count federal indictment related to the shooting that occurred on January 14. According to CBS, the Department of Homeland Security initially claimed he fired in self-defense after being attacked by three Venezuelan illegal migrants wielding a shovel and broom handle.
Allegations Against Castro
Minnesota investigators allege that Castro fired through a closed door, striking the man in the leg. It is uncommon for the current justice department to accuse a federal agent of misconduct while on duty. In Minnesota, Castro faces separate charges of assault and false reporting of a crime related to the shooting.
Context of the Incident
Castro was among thousands of federal immigration officers deployed to the Midwestern state during Operation Metro Surge, which led to intense protests and resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens during confrontations with agents. Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who survived being shot in the leg, were initially charged with forcibly assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers. However, after surveillance video raised questions about the agents' account of events, federal prosecutors launched an investigation.
