FBI Found White Substance in Vehicle of Mexican Man Killed During ICE Operation
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
HOUSTON – The investigation into the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an ICE operation in Houston continues to gather new elements. A search warrant presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals that agents found several bags containing a crystalline white substance inside the deceased man's work truck. According to the affidavit, investigators believed the appearance and packaging of the substance were consistent with methamphetamine. The court document was filed on July 14 and is part of the investigation related to the shooting that occurred on July 7 in the Magnolia Park neighborhood of Houston. The FBI sought evidence related to possible drug offenses. According to the affidavit included in the search warrant, investigators requested authorization to search the truck for evidence linked to potential federal offenses related to possession and alleged distribution of controlled substances. The document states that four people were in the vehicle, including Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was driving the truck at the time of the operation. According to the FBI's account, ICE agents attempted to stop the vehicle around 6:45 a.m. The statement claims that the driver did not stop and crossed a median in an apparent attempt to escape. Investigators assert that, following protocols, agents did not initiate a pursuit. They later located the truck again in the 6800 block of Canal Street, where they attempted a second stop. During that operation, an ICE agent shot Salgado Araujo, who died at the scene. The search warrant indicates that FBI agents visually inspected the vehicle from the outside before entering and observed several plastic bags containing a crystalline white substance. According to the document, three of those bags were on the center console, between the driver's and passenger's seats, while another similar bag was seen on the floor on the passenger's side. Subsequently, the FBI Evidence Response Team photographed the interior of the vehicle before authorities conducted a physical inspection. The search warrant states that investigators believed the appearance of the substance and the way it was packaged were consistent with methamphetamine, a drug classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. The document does not indicate whether there is a laboratory analysis confirming that the substance found is methamphetamine. The search warrant does not determine that a crime was committed. The FBI explained that it requested the court order to ensure that the vehicle search complied with all constitutional and legal requirements, although investigators believed there was already probable cause to inspect it. The document also does not establish that a crime was committed nor does it make conclusions about the criminal responsibility of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The investigation into the shooting continues. Meanwhile, the investigation into the use of force during the operation remains open. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the agent acted in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly used the truck to try to run over an agent. This account has been rejected by the three passengers traveling with him. Through their attorney, they claim that ICE vehicles struck the truck first and that no agent was in front of the vehicle or at risk of being hit. They also assert that an agent approached from the passenger side, shouted 'Stop!' and then opened fire, fatally wounding Salgado Araujo. The Harris County District Attorney's Office, in cooperation with the City of Houston, is conducting an independent investigation to determine how the events unfolded. So far, federal authorities have not released videos of the incident. Additionally, it has been reported that the agents involved were not wearing body cameras and that the vehicles used during the operation also did not have dashboard cameras.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
