An undocumented immigrant from Mexico was shot and killed in Houston, Texas after attempting to hit an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent with his vehicle.
On July 7, 2026, around 6:50 a.m. Pacific Time, ICE agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation to apprehend an illegal alien when they attempted to stop a vehicle. The driver, identified as Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, reportedly resisted arrest.
According to ICE, Araujo “rammed” his car into an ICE vehicle and ignored verbal commands. He then allegedly tried to use his vehicle to run over an officer, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense.
Araujo was taken to a hospital, where CPR was administered, but he later died from injuries sustained to the abdomen, as reported by the Houston Fire Department.
In light of the incident, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Houston is leading an investigation regarding a potential assault on a police officer. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General is also looking into the situation.
ICE stated, “This is an evolving situation and we will share more information with the public as it becomes available.”
Following the incident, some lawmakers expressed their concerns. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) noted that while ICE has provided initial details, a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the use of deadly force is necessary. She emphasized the importance of preserving all evidence as part of a thorough investigation to ensure the victim’s family and the community receive a transparent explanation of the events that transpired.
State Representative Cristina Morales (D-Texas) echoed the need for answers, stating, “Today a man was shot and another was almost hit by a car. We’ve seen incidents like this all over the country, and now they’re in Houston. This highlights the urgent need for meaningful immigration reform to address these ongoing issues.”
