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Judge orders immigration officials to free key witness in deadly Texas ICE shooting
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge ordered the release of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a key witness in the fatal shooting of Mexican homebuilder Lorenzo Araujo Salgado by an ICE officer in Houston, citing violations of his Fifth Amendment due process rights.
- ICE must release Rojas Pliego within 48 hours in a public place in the Southern District of Texas, notify his attorney in advance, and return all personal property including identity documents.
- The shooting occurred during a traffic stop when an ICE officer fired at Araujo Salgado, who was accused by DHS of attempting to run over the officer, a claim disputed by passengers including Rojas Pliego.
- Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare stated his office is prepared to prosecute federal immigration agents if criminal wrongdoing is found in the shooting.
- Araujo Salgado had lived in the U.S. for 35 years and was close to legal status; Rojas Pliego also has a pending U-Visa application, which would protect him from deportation and provide work authorization.
