Substance found in work van of Mexican man killed by ICE tested negative for drugs, prosecutor says
Key Points:
- A substance found in the work van of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant fatally shot by an ICE agent in Houston, tested negative for illicit drugs, contradicting federal claims that the van likely contained methamphetamine.
- ICE had alleged that Salgado Araujo "weaponized" his vehicle during a traffic stop, justifying the shooting as self-defense, but other occupants of the van and the recent test results dispute this narrative.
- The Harris County District Attorney's office confirmed the negative drug test and is conducting its own investigation, with DA Sean Teare prepared to prosecute ICE agents if criminal wrongdoing is found.
- The ACLU, representing Salgado Araujo's family, criticized the federal government for promoting a false narrative and emphasized that Salgado Araujo was a hardworking man who should still be alive.
- Salgado Araujo's family described him as a dedicated worker and loving father who came to the U.S. seeking better opportunities, highlighting the human impact of the incident.