Substance found in work van of Mexican man killed by ICE tested negative for drugs, prosecutor says

A federal investigation into the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo has reached a significant turning point in Houston. Prosecutors confirmed that substances discovered in the construction worker's van tested negative for illicit drugs. This finding directly contradicts previous claims made by federal officials who suggested the vehicle contained methamphetamine.

Salgado Araujo, who lived in the United States for 35 years, was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on July 7. Following the incident, federal authorities alleged the driver weaponized his vehicle, justifying the officer's use of force. An FBI affidavit later cited photos of a crystal-like substance as evidence of potential narcotics inside the van.

The Harris County District Attorney's office stated that lab results confirmed the material was not narcotics. This supports the account provided by the family, who maintained the substance was granulated salt. Workers in the area often use such mixtures to stay hydrated during summer shifts.

Legal counsel for the family, represented by the ACLU of Texas, criticized federal authorities for advancing a narrative that contradicted the reality of the situation. They maintain that Salgado Araujo was a hardworking laborer with no criminal record who supported his family through construction work. The incident remains under review by both federal oversight offices and local prosecutors.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare previously indicated that his office remains prepared to bring charges if the evidence warrants such action. The ongoing probe continues as federal agencies face scrutiny regarding the accuracy of their initial public statements. The public disclosure of these lab results serves as a correction to the record in a high-profile case.