Texas prosecutor: Man fatally shot by ICE agent put truck in reverse

Federal authorities in Texas have provided their account of the events leading to the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national, following an encounter with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent over a week ago. According to Aaron Reitz, the federal prosecutor for the Southern District of Texas, Salgado "put the truck in reverse" and then accelerated forward while an agent was either "partially inside the van or immediately next to the van."

Reitz stated that the immigration agent fired a single shot that fatally wounded Salgado. He emphasized that his office was not "drawing definitive conclusions" and urged for the judicial system to proceed. This statement follows earlier reports that federal agents were searching for two Guatemalan immigrants linked to a white truck, who had previously evaded arrest and potentially faced deportation.

During the search, agents reportedly encountered a similar vehicle and attempted a traffic stop using police lights. However, the occupants fled, crossing a median. Later that morning, agents re-encountered the truck, and this time successfully surrounded it. Two officers exited their vehicle and ordered the occupants to stop. It was at this point, Reitz explained, that the driver put the truck in reverse.

Reitz also acknowledged that FBI agents executed a search warrant on the van on Thursday. They are investigating several small bags found on the dashboard and floor of the vehicle. A sworn affidavit from an agent indicated a belief that the substance could be methamphetamine. However, lawyers representing the men accompanying Salgado asserted that the bags contained only salt.

"We are not drawing definitive conclusions and believe federal authorities will conduct a thorough investigation," Reitz concluded. "Let the justice system do its work. And pray for safer communities where law, order, and justice prevail."