Houston ICE Shooting: Witness Says Victim Tried to Surrender Before Fatal Encounter
Houston ICE shooting witness Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego says the deadly encounter has left him traumatized. He claims Lorenzo Salgado Araujo never threatened federal agents and intended to surrender before an immigration officer opened fire.
The fatal shooting continues to raise questions about federal immigration enforcement and the use of deadly force.
Houston ICE Shooting Witness Rejects Official Account
Rojas Pliego said the official version of events does not match what he witnessed.
He insisted Salgado Araujo never tried to attack officers or drive into law enforcement vehicles. Instead, he said the driver planned to stop and cooperate with agents.
Rojas Pliego added that officers forcefully removed everyone from the van before they handcuffed Salgado Araujo after the shooting.
Federal Agencies Continue Investigations
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that investigators are reviewing the shooting.
The FBI is also examining allegations that officers faced an assault during the operation.
Officials have not released body camera footage because the officers involved were not wearing body cameras during the incident.
Family Demands Independent Investigation
Salgado Araujo’s family rejects claims that he posed a danger to officers.
Relatives say he had no criminal record and was applying for a legal work permit. They believe he would have complied if he had known the vehicles belonged to federal agents.
Texas Democratic lawmakers and immigrant rights advocates have also called for an independent investigation into the shooting.
Witness Describes Emotional Trauma
Rojas Pliego said he cannot sleep after witnessing the shooting.
He described Salgado Araujo as a hardworking employer who was simply driving his construction crew to work that morning.
The witness said he now wants justice for Salgado Araujo, his family and other workers affected by the incident.
Questions Remain
The Houston ICE shooting remains under multiple federal investigations.
Authorities continue reviewing evidence while the victim’s family and legal representatives seek answers about what happened during the traffic stop.
The outcome of those investigations could shape future discussions about immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal officers.
