ICE agent kills Mexican national during Houston traffic stop, agency cites self-defense

Federal immigration officials confirmed that Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national, was shot and died after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fired during a traffic stop in Houston, Texas, late Tuesday. ICE said the officer acted in self-defense after Salgado Araujo attempted to evade arrest and struck the officer’s vehicle.

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, who represents the district where the incident occurred, called for preservation and review of all footage, communications and other evidence as part of a full and impartial investigation.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Salgado Araujo was in the United States without legal status and that he died while being transported to a local hospital. His son, Ronaldo Salgado, told reporters that his father was in the process of obtaining a work permit and said his father "did not deserve this."

A local resident, Juliet Martinez, said she recorded video of the scene showing a handcuffed man on the ground in pain. A small protest and a makeshift memorial were set up at the site shortly after the shooting.

The incident marks the eighth officer-involved shooting involving ICE agents since the start of the previous administration, with previous cases including two U.S. citizens. Critics have highlighted concerns about the rapid expansion of ICE personnel and the adequacy of training for new officers.