Federal judge orders release of witness to Houston ICE shooting
Summary
A federal judge ordered the release of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a witness held in immigration custody after a Houston ICE traffic stop that killed driver Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The judge ruled that keeping Rojas Pliego detained without a proper bond hearing was unconstitutional and demanded his release within 48 hours.Key Facts
- Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican motorist, was shot and killed by an ICE officer during a traffic stop in Houston on July 7, 2026.
- Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego was a passenger in the vehicle and has been held in ICE custody since the shooting.
- U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison blocked Rojas Pliego’s deportation and ordered his release from custody.
- The judge found that Rojas Pliego was detained without an individualized bond hearing, which violates his rights.
- ICE stated that the driver tried to run over an officer, prompting the shooting in self-defense.
- Rojas Pliego has no criminal record and has been in the U.S. since 1996; he has family who are U.S. citizens.
- The judge ordered the government to release Rojas Pliego within 48 hours of the ruling.
- The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and use of force by ICE officers.
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