Federal prosecutor fired after investigating ICE officer for civil rights offenses in Minnesota shooting, sources say - CBS News

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Evans, who was investigating ICE officer Christian Castro over the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in Minnesota, has been fired, four sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Evans had been probing Castro for possible civil rights offenses, but the Justice Department ultimately charged the officer only with making false statements about the incident, a lesser charge than crimes involving violations of constitutional rights under color of law.
According to ProPublica, Evans told attorneys for the shooting victim, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, and others to prepare for Castro to face only the false-statements charge, writing in an email that the decision was "directed by the Main Justice and the US Attorney" and that he had "objected in the strongest possible terms."
Three sources said Evans is under investigation by the Justice Department, with two indicating the inquiry centers on allegations of leaking.
A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Castro on Wednesday; he was taken into custody in Texas on Thursday and was set to make an initial court appearance Friday, though the indictment remains sealed.
The case stems from a January shooting, with reporting on the matter updated as of September 3, 2026.