ICE officer kills Mexican national during attempted traffic stop in Houston

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement said an ICE officer shot Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo at about 6:50 a.m. on Tuesday in Houston while attempting to arrest him for alleged immigration violations. According to DHS, Salgado Araujo allegedly rammed an ICE vehicle, ignored multiple verbal commands and used his car as a weapon, leading the officer to fire in self-defense. The victim was taken to a hospital where he later died.

The FBI dispatched an evidence response team from its Houston field office to the scene, indicating a probe into a possible assault on a federal officer, but clarified that the agency is not investigating the shooting itself.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which has been in contact with the family, said Salgado Araujo was driving in the Magnolia Park neighborhood looking for day laborers when the incident occurred. One of his sons reportedly witnessed the shooting, and several bystanders captured photos and video.

LULAC officials noted that Salgado Araujo was in the process of applying for legal citizenship, though the length of his stay in the United States was not immediately known. The organization called for an independent investigation by local authorities, comparing the case to previous fatal encounters involving immigration enforcement.

Houston police said they were not involved in the incident, and the mayor’s office directed inquiries to DHS.

"This is not an isolated event across the nation," LULAC National President Roman Palomares told reporters.

"We have seen a pattern of ICE involvement in shootings and excessive use of force," he added.

"Each time a family is left without answers, and a community is left in fear," Palomares said.

LULAC CEO Juan Proaño said the federal government’s explanation resembled previous narratives that later proved inaccurate.