Kathmandu— A federal judge has declined Minnesota’s request to force the extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, who is facing criminal charges for shooting a man in the leg during an immigration raid and allegedly lying about the incident. The decision comes as a 90-day deadline approaches under Texas law, after which Castro must be transferred or released from custody. Minnesota officials argued that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has intentionally delayed authorizing the extradition for political reasons related to former President Trump’s immigration policies, but the judge found no legal basis for intervention before Abbott takes definitive action.

The Case Against Agent Castro

Christian Castro was detained in a Texas county jail in May and is charged with assault and falsely reporting a crime in Minnesota's Hennepin County. The charges stem from an incident on January 14, when Castro allegedly shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during an immigration raid in Minneapolis. Prosecutors claim Castro fired his weapon through the front door of a home, wounding Sosa-Celis. Following the shooting, Castro and another agent accused Sosa-Celis and another individual of assaulting federal authorities with a broom handle and snow shovel; however, video evidence later disproved these claims, leading to the dismissal of charges against Sosa-Celis.

Political Dimensions of Extradition

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent Castro’s release and compel Governor Abbott to authorize the extradition. Ellison has publicly accused Abbott of obstructing justice by refusing to act, framing it as support for former President Trump's mass deportation campaign and a circumvention of federal extradition law. In a social media post, Ellison stated that Abbott had a “legal obligation” to return Castro to Minnesota but instead “chosen to ignore the law.”

Operation Metro Surge and Agent Conduct

The shooting occurred during ‘Operation Metro Surge,’ a large-scale deployment of federal agents to Minnesota authorized by President Trump in December. The operation, which lasted less than three months, drew criticism from residents and civil liberties groups who alleged abuses. Todd Lyons, then-acting director of ICE, confirmed in February that the agents involved appeared to have made “untruthful statements” regarding the incident, after video evidence surfaced. Both Castro and a second agent were subsequently placed on administrative leave.

Concerns Over Potential Flight

Minnesota officials expressed concerns that Castro may attempt to flee the country if released from custody. The state’s lawsuit cited calls made by Castro from jail to a woman in Mexico, during which he discussed plans to marry her and purchase a home there upon his release.

The 90-day window for Texas to hold Castro expires on Thursday, leaving his fate uncertain as Minnesota awaits Governor Abbott's decision regarding the extradition warrant.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.