Minnesota is suing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in an effort to force the extradition of an ICE agent being held in Cameron County.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed the federal lawsuit Tuesday, asking a judge to order Abbott to approve the transfer of Christian Castro, who faces four felony assault charges and a misdemeanor count of falsely reporting a crime in connection with a January shooting in Minneapolis.
Castro has been jailed in Texas since his arrest by Texas Rangers in late May. Officials say he could be released as early as next week if the extradition dispute is not resolved.
Abbott says Minnesota officials have some explaining to do before he acts on the request.
During a Tuesday news conference, Abbott said he does not trust Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and demanded the state address what he described as fraud involving federal programs.
Ellison’s lawsuit argues Abbott has a legal duty to sign the extradition warrant and asks the court to block Castro’s release while the case is pending.