Overview
- Gov. Greg Abbott filed a response on Monday asking a federal judge to deny Minnesota’s request to compel the extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro and to let Texas complete an internal review by the Secretary of State.
- Minnesota sued in federal court after state prosecutors sought Castro’s transfer to face five felony charges from a January Minneapolis shooting, and the state asked a judge to order Texas to keep him in custody beyond the 90‑day limit.
- Texas officials argue Castro may not be a ‘fugitive’ because federal authorities reassigned him to Texas, and they say the governor must evaluate whether legal prerequisites for extradition are met.
- Minnesota has pointed to evidence it calls flight‑risk indicators, including jailhouse calls about plans to live in Mexico, and a Brownsville emergency hearing on Tuesday could block Castro’s release before the 90th day.
- The dispute raises questions about whether a governor’s extradition decision is ministerial or discretionary and could produce a fast appeal path to higher courts if the district judge declines to order surrender.