Abbott asks court to reject Minnesota bid to force extradition of ICE officer

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) - Gov. [KWTX-TV News 10]

Governor Greg Abbott has moved to block Minnesota's attempts to extradite an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer held in a South Texas jail, contending there is insufficient evidence the man qualifies as a fugitive from justice.

Christian Castro, detained at Cameron County Jail since May 29, faces allegations stemming from an incident during a Minneapolis immigration enforcement operation earlier this year. Minnesota authorities have charged him with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of filing a false report. Prosecutors allege Castro injured a Venezuelan man during the crackdown, known as Operation Metro Surge, and subsequently provided false statements about the circumstances.

Minnesota sought a court order to keep Castro in custody beyond a Thursday deadline, citing concerns he might flee. Texas law restricts detention of individuals facing extradition to 90 days absent a court intervention. Abbott's legal filing, submitted Monday to a federal judge, argues the 90-day period governs only the initial detention phase and does not establish a deadline for the governor to decide whether to grant extradition. "The ninety-day period limits pre-warrant detention; it does not impose a ninety-day deadline on the Governor to approve or deny the demanding State's request," Abbott stated in court documents.

The core of Abbott's opposition centers on whether Castro actually fled Minnesota or simply transferred back to Texas as part of his employment responsibilities with ICE. Abbott directed Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden to investigate Castro's status and circumstances. Abbott's skepticism extends beyond legal questions—he previously stated at a separate public event that he lacks confidence in Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, saying he doesn't trust him "on anything, let alone something like this."

Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino said in earlier court filings that state law requires Castro's release after 90 days unless a court orders his continued detention. Both states are scheduled to present arguments Tuesday in Brownsville.