First federal prosecution from Operation Metro Surge enforcement
A federal indictment unsealed Friday charges Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Christian Castro with six counts of making false statements to investigators, according to The Associated Press. The Justice Department case is the first federal prosecution of a federal officer for conduct during this year’s Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
According to the indictment, Castro falsely told investigators he was being attacked with a broom and shovel before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during last winter’s immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. Castro pleaded not guilty during a brief appearance in McAllen, Texas federal court after turning himself in to federal authorities Thursday evening. He was shackled at his wrists, waist and feet during the hearing.
A judge was expected later in the day to consider the government’s recommendation to release him with an ankle monitor, according to The Associated Press.
The case stems from Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration operation that brought thousands of agents to the Twin Cities. The Associated Press reported that the operation led to sweeping protests, arrests and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers.