Judge temporarily blocks officials from deporting witness of deadly ICE shooting
Summary
A federal judge in Texas has temporarily stopped immigration officials from deporting a key witness in the fatal shooting of Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE in Houston. The judge also barred moving the witness without permission as investigations continue into the shooting.Key Facts
- The judge’s order blocks ICE from deporting Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a witness to the shooting, without court approval.
- Rojas Pliego was one of three construction workers inside the van when Salgado Araujo was fatally shot by an ICE officer on July 7.
- ICE claims the officer acted in self-defense because Salgado Araujo used the van as a weapon during a traffic stop.
- Salgado Araujo’s family disputes ICE’s account and wants an independent investigation.
- ICE agents had been looking for another person when they stopped the van.
- The FBI found photos suggesting methamphetamine might have been in the van, but this is disputed by local prosecutors.
- Harris County officials are helping the detained witnesses apply for U visas, which protect crime victims who assist law enforcement from deportation.
- Local prosecutors are investigating the shooting and are ready to file charges against ICE agents if evidence shows wrongdoing.
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