Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant who had lived in the United States for 35 years, was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a traffic stop in Houston. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Salgado was not the intended target of the enforcement operation, which was aimed at arresting two individuals from Guatemala.

Salgado, 52, was driving a white van with three other men, including his brother Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, when ICE agents attempted to stop the vehicle as part of a targeted enforcement operation. The agents claimed Salgado "weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer," who then fired in self-defense. However, the men in the van and their attorney dispute this account, stating there was never an ICE agent in front of the vehicle and that the shots came from the sides.

The officers involved were not wearing body cameras, and no images or videos related to the shooting have been released. DHS stated that half of its field officers are now equipped with body cameras, with the remainder expected to receive them within 60 days.

Salgado had worked as a builder in Houston for three decades after coming to the US as an undocumented migrant. His family said he had no criminal record and was close to obtaining a work permit.

The Office of Inspector General for DHS is investigating the shooting, and the FBI in Houston is leading an investigation into a potential assault on a federal law enforcement officer. The Houston Police Department has offered resources to support a thorough and transparent investigation.

Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco reported that 14 Mexicans have died in ICE custody and three more during ICE arrest operations. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has instructed prosecutors in the US to file criminal charges against those responsible for the deaths of Mexican citizens during immigration enforcement or detention.

The Harris County District Attorney's office has also launched an investigation, though it was not invited to the scene. Advocates say the men in the van are being pressured to sign deportation orders. Calls continue for ICE agents to wear body cameras during arrest operations, citing previous incidents where video evidence contradicted official accounts.

Sources