Houston prosecutor could bring charges against ICE agents in fatal shooting

The top prosecutor in Houston is prepared to file criminal charges against federal immigration agents if an investigation reveals wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a Mexican immigrant. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare told CBS News his office is conducting an "independent, transparent investigation" into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on July 7.

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As we go forward, and if the case and the evidence directs us that criminal wrongdoing occurred, we are more than prepared to file criminal charges against the people, regardless of whether or not they are federal agents or civilians.

"You can't come into our community, take someone's life, and then hide behind a badge," Teare said, emphasizing his office has issued "dozens" of subpoenas. He added that if the evidence points to criminal acts, his office is "more than prepared to file criminal charges against the people, regardless of whether or not they are federal agents or civilians."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Salgado Araujo weaponized his van during a traffic stop, leading an ICE agent to shoot him. DHS also noted Salgado Araujo was in the U.S. illegally. However, the agency admitted the agents involved were initially searching for a different individual. Salgado Araujo's family has vehemently denied the DHS account, describing him as a devoted father who had resided in the United States for more than three decades.

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You can't come into our community, take someone's life, and then hide behind a badge.

Adding to the scrutiny, an ICE officer fatally shot another driver in Maine less than a week after the Houston incident. The FBI is investigating the Houston shooting as a potential assault on a federal agent, while the DHS Office of Inspector General is conducting its own probe. Teare indicated his office is examining potential crimes including murder, criminally negligent homicide, and tampering with evidence. He expressed frustration over ICE's lack of cooperation, noting that his office does not even know the name of the agent who fired the fatal shots, a week after the event.

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We have not received a single name of an ICE agent from ICE that was involved in that shooting, which is I can't even begin to tell you how strange that is.

Teare, drawing on his extensive law enforcement background, stated that ICE's tactics do not align with standard training or actions he has witnessed. He highlighted the unusual nature of not receiving the agent's name, even in non-fatal shootings involving federal partners. The investigation continues as local authorities seek accountability for the death of Salgado Araujo.

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Even in non-fatal shootings with federal partners, we know the name of the individual that was involved that day.