An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged with assault and filing a false police report about his encounter with a Venezuelan immigrant has been detained in Texas while awaiting an extradition hearing.

The agent, Christian J. Castro, was tracked down by Minnesota investigators and taken into custody by the Texas Rangers on Friday.

Castro, 52, faces four counts of second-degree assault and a charge of filing a false police report in Hennepin County, Minnesota, which includes Minneapolis.

Here’s what to know about the case:

What Led to the Arrest?

During the height of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota in January, Castro engaged in a high-speed car chase through Minneapolis, following a delivery driver whom he suspected was in the country illegally.

The delivery driver, Alfredo Aljorna, an immigrant from Venezuela, raced toward his home, exited his car and slipped on a sheet of ice. Castro tried to seize Aljorna while he was on the ground, and the men tussled until Aljorna broke free and ran into his home.

Castro fired a bullet into the front door, wounding Aljorna’s roommate, Julio C. Sosa-Celis, in the leg, according to state prosecutors.

After the interaction, Castro reported that he had been beaten with a shovel and a broom and had fired because he had feared for his life. Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, another Venezuelan immigrant, were initially charged with felony assault. But after a video of the events was scrutinized, those charges were dropped.

On May 18, Minnesota prosecutors charged Castro.

Where Was He Arrested?

Investigators from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension located Castro in Cameron County, Texas, near the Mexico border. He was arrested Friday morning at a house in Harlingen, according to Minnesota officials.

Officers from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and staff from the Minnesota bureau were on scene, according to a spokesperson for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

The inspector general’s office said they were not involved in the arrest.

Castro is being held without bond at a detention center in Olmito, Texas. He appeared in court Saturday morning. It is unclear if Castro has a lawyer.

What Are the Complications With This Case?

Castro faces Minnesota state charges, including felony assault and falsely reporting a crime. But prosecutors may have to overcome some procedural hurdles.

Federal officers have broad immunity from prosecution in state court for actions in the line of duty.

Castro may file to have the case tried in federal court, where he could request the judge dismiss the case since the charges pertain to on-duty actions.

And he remains in Texas though he faces charges in Minnesota.

Will He Be Extradited?

Castro has waived his right to an extradition hearing, according to Sheriff Manuel Trevino of Cameron County.

The sheriff said Castro will still have a hearing in Cameron County before he is transferred to Minnesota. That court appearance could happen Friday, he said.

What Have Government Officials Said?

A spokesperson for Abbott did not say whether the governor would support the extradition of Castro.

Federal officials characterized the charges as a “political stunt,” but said that the U.S. attorney’s office is investigating the perjury claims. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said that Castro could “face disciplinary action, including termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution.”

In Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison said: “I am pleased to hear Christian Castro has been taken into custody and will stand trial for the crimes he allegedly committed in Minnesota.”

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This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

By Bernard Mokam/David Guttenfelder
c. 2026 The New York Times Company