Justice Department Blocks Civil Rights Charges Against an ICE Agent Who Shot a Venezuelan Man, Over the Prosecutor's "Strongest Possible" Objection

ProPublica reported on Sept. 2, 2026 that Justice Department leaders quashed plans by federal prosecutors in Minnesota to charge ICE agent Christian Castro with deprivation of rights under color of law. Castro allegedly shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis in January during Operation Metro Surge, firing through the closed door of a home he knew was occupied. In an email reviewed by ProPublica, assistant U.S. attorney Matthew Evans told victims' lawyers to expect only a false-statements charge, writing that "this is being directed by the Main Justice and the US Attorney."

The blocked charge is the same statute used against the Minneapolis officers in the George Floyd case and carries far heavier penalties. Overriding a line prosecutor on a civil rights charge against a federal agent bears on whether federal officers face the accountability the department applies to others.

A department official said such charges require consultation with the civil rights division and that DOJ "has not yet reached a conclusion." Castro also faces state felony charges in Minnesota.