A federal prosecutor in Minnesota investigating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has been dismissed, according to four sources familiar with the situation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Evans was looking into ICE officer Christian Castro concerning the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant earlier this year.
While the Justice Department charged Castro with making false statements regarding the incident, the charges remain sealed. Previously, ProPublica reported that Evans communicated to the attorneys representing the shooting victim, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, and other affected individuals that Castro would likely face charges for false statements, carrying lighter penalties than those for infringing constitutional rights.
ProPublica shared excerpts from an email allegedly sent by Evans. The email stated, “This is being directed by the Main Justice and the US Attorney. I objected in the strongest possible terms and fought it as hard as I could. It wasn’t enough.” CBS News has not verified the email obtained by ProPublica.
Three sources informed CBS News that Evans is currently under investigation by the Justice Department. Two sources mentioned that the investigation revolves around accusations of leaking information.
CBS News has contacted Evans for comment. This story is developing and updates will follow.
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