Mexican national killed during ICE operation in Texas, U.S. authorities say

Wednesday 08 July 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Mexican national killed during ICE operation in Texas, U.S. authorities say

A Mexican national was fatally shot by an officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an enforcement operation in Houston, Texas, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In a statement, the department identified the deceased as Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, describing him as a Mexican citizen who was living in the United States without legal immigration status. According to DHS, the incident occurred after he allegedly attempted to evade arrest during an ICE operation.

Authorities said the shooting took place during a vehicle stop connected to the immigration enforcement action. No additional details about the circumstances leading to the use of deadly force were immediately released.

The case marks the first fatal shooting involving ICE personnel since January, when two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, were killed during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, according to the information provided by U.S. authorities.

The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement practices, which have remained a subject of political and public debate in the United States. The use of force by federal agents is typically subject to internal review and may also be examined through additional investigative procedures.

Officials have not announced whether further information, including body camera footage or the findings of any investigation, will be made public.

The shooting comes amid continued national discussions over immigration enforcement policies, border security and the operational practices of federal agencies responsible for implementing U.S. immigration law.