Trump DOJ blocks ICE shooting charge
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
DOJ charged ICE agent Christian Castro with lying about shooting Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.
Blocked civil rights charges raise concerns of political interference.
Background
In January 2026, during a Trump administration immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, ICE agent Christian Castro shot Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. Video evidence later contradicted initial accounts, leading to dropped charges against Sosa-Celis and an investigation into Castro's statements. The Justice Department indicted Castro for false statements but blocked more serious civil rights charges, despite objections from the federal prosecutor, fueling concerns about political influence.
How it unfolded
- Jan 14, 2026Castro shot Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis during an immigration crackdown.
- May 2026Castro was arrested in Texas on Minnesota charges; Texas Gov. Greg Abbott refused extradition.
- Aug 27, 2026Castro was released from jail in Texas.
- Sep 3, 2026Federal grand jury indicted Castro on false statements charges; reports emerged that DOJ blocked civil rights charges.
Who’s saying what
- Prosecutor
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Evans objected 'in the strongest possible terms' to blocking civil rights charges.
- DOJ
- A person familiar with the case disputed the prosecutor's characterization, saying the probe is continuing and no final decision has been made.
Still unverified
The prosecutor was fired on Thursday and is under investigation for alleged obstruction of a grand jury probe, according to a person familiar with the matter.