Justice Department Blocked Civil Rights Charge Against ICE Agent Over Prosecutor’s ‘Strongest Possible’ Objections

Justice Department leaders in Washington quashed plans by federal prosecutors in Minnesota to charge ICE agent Christian Castro, 52, with deprivation of rights under color of law for the January 14 shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Evans wrote to victims’ lawyers that Castro would be charged “only with False Statements,” that the decision was “being directed by the Main Justice and the US Attorney,” and that he had objected “in the strongest possible terms.” Castro fired through the closed door of the home Sosa-Celis shared with another Venezuelan man, hitting him in the leg; DHS initially said the agents were ambushed, but federal prosecutors dropped assault charges against both men after video evidence contradicted the agents’ sworn accounts. A DOJ official said the department “has not yet reached a conclusion on this matter.” Castro separately faces state felony charges in Minnesota, including assault with a dangerous weapon.