Lorenzo Salgado Araujo family disputes FBI claim of drugs in van following fatal ICE shooting

The FBI filed a search warrant application for the van driven by Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a father of three killed by ICE during a Texas traffic stop. While the agency identified a "white crystal-like substance" in plastic bags as potential methamphetamine, the family’s attorney, Ruby L. Powers, clarified that the substance was actually granulated salt mixed with lemon and water. This homemade electrolyte drink was used by outdoor workers to combat the Texas heat. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare described the FBI's move as "unique" and a "red herring," noting that the presence of drugs does not change the facts of the fatal shooting. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Salgado Araujo was an illegal immigrant who was shot in self-defense after attempting to run over agents. However, the family and civil rights advocates argue the search warrant may be a "smear campaign" to shift blame from the officer to the deceased. The administration announced that the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

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