Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed by ICE agents in a Texas traffic stop while the FBI investigates whether his van contained methamphetamine or salt.
The FBI is currently investigating whether a white crystal-like substance found in the van of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was methamphetamine or granulated salt. The 52-year-old man was killed by immigration agents on July 7 while driving to a construction jobsite in Houston. While the FBI believes the substance may be an illicit drug, Ruby Powers, the attorney for Salgado Araujo’s brother, stated the substance was likely a homemade electrolyte mix used by outdoor workers to combat the Texas heat. The administration announced that Salgado Araujo was not the primary target of the operation, though agents claimed he "weaponized" his vehicle, leading to a self-defense shot. Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Rangers to conduct an independent investigation alongside federal officials. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare noted that the FBI's search warrant is a "red herring" that does not change the facts of the fatal shooting. The investigation continues as the public awaits official test results to determine the nature of the substance.