ICE Agent Charged After Allegedly Shooting Into Occupied Minneapolis Home During Pursuit
Screenshot of video released from City of Minneapolis
Published: May 18th 2026
MINNEAPOLIS: A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been charged in Hennepin County after prosecutors allege he fired a shot into an occupied Minneapolis home during a January immigration enforcement pursuit, striking a man inside while four adults and two children were in the residence.
According to a criminal complaint filed Monday, ICE agent Christian J. Castro faces four felony counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one misdemeanor count of falsely reporting a crime in connection with the Jan. 14, 2026 shooting near the 2400 block of 24th Avenue North in Minneapolis. Each assault charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison.
The charges stem from a high-profile incident during heightened ICE enforcement activity in Minneapolis earlier this year that drew statewide and national attention. Prosecutors allege Castro pursued a man to the home following a vehicle chase involving ICE agents before firing through the front door as several people attempted to get inside.
According to the complaint, surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Victim 2 running toward the residence while being chased by Castro. The complaint states Victim 1 attempted to help Victim 2 get into the home after a struggle outside. Prosecutors allege Castro then raised his arms toward the front door and fired a shot into the home moments after Victim 1 and Victim 2 entered.
Investigators say Victim 1 was struck in the leg while standing behind the front door attempting to close and lock it. Four adults and two children were reportedly inside the residence at the time.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension later recovered a 9mm shell casing outside the home and documented a bullet path that traveled through the front door and multiple interior walls before lodging in a bedroom wall, according to the complaint.
The complaint states Castro claimed he was attacked with a broom and shovel before the shooting. However, investigators allege surveillance video, witness statements, and physical evidence contradicted that account.
Federal assault charges that had initially been filed against Victim 1 and Victim 2 were later dismissed after prosecutors stated newly discovered evidence was materially inconsistent with the original allegations.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the charges Monday.
Court records state an arrest warrant was requested because investigators believe Castro may not respond to a summons and his whereabouts were unknown.
The case remains ongoing. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.