I respectfully but strongly disagree with the court’s order, which nonetheless acknowledges that Christian Castro is a flight risk, that Minnesota will be harmed if he is allowed to flee to Mexico, and that Governor Abbott’s consideration of Minnesota’s extradition request is of “an atypically long duration” — to say the least. We will continue litigating this case and do everything in our power to ensure Castro is returned to Minnesota to face his criminal charges. 

Minnesota should never have had to file this lawsuit or this motion. Greg Abbott has a black-letter legal and constitutional duty to sign the rendition warrant to return the fugitive Castro to Minnesota — full stop — and we are only here because Abbott is playing with constitutional fire. 

This case should concern officials and citizens of every state. If a governor can delay extraditions and cherry-pick cases according to their political tastes, then no state will be able to hold fugitive criminals accountable. 

Greg Abbott is turning Texas into a sanctuary state for violent criminals. But regardless of today's ruling, Christian Castro will not escape justice in Minnesota.  

The Official Website of Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

The Minnesota Attorney General's Office values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.