U.S. Attorneys For Southern District of Texas Releases New Details Involving ICE Shooting
By Selina Xia Zamacois
HOUSTON, TEXAS — Federal authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado in Houston, according to a preliminary statement released by U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz of the Southern District of Texas. Reitz said his office, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and state and local partners are all involved in an active investigation and have not reached any final conclusions.
Reitz outlined what federal officials currently believe occurred based on early information. On the morning of July 7, federal officers were searching for two Guatemalan men believed to be driving a white van. According to the statement, the men had previously evaded arrest and were potentially subject to deportation. Officers received a report of a similar van in the area and attempted a traffic stop, activating their emergency lights. The individuals inside the van allegedly fled, making a rapid U-turn and driving over a median. Agents did not pursue at that time.
Later that morning, officers encountered the van again. Reitz said the men again attempted to flee, but federal vehicles surrounded the van. Two officers exited their vehicles and ordered the driver to put the van in park. Preliminary information indicates the driver shifted the van into reverse and then forward while an officer was either partially inside the vehicle or standing immediately beside it.
During the confrontation, one federal officer fired a single shot, striking Salgado. Reitz said officers on scene immediately provided medical aid, but Salgado later died at a hospital.
Authorities also reported seeing several small bags containing a white, crystal‑like substance inside the van. The FBI executed a search warrant on the vehicle the following day as part of a narcotics investigation into possible drug‑trafficking offenses.
Reitz emphasized that the account is based solely on early information and may change as investigators gather additional evidence. He urged the public to allow federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS, to complete their work, saying officials are committed to determining what happened and ensuring accountability.
Reitz concluded by encouraging patience during the investigative process.
