HOUSTON – While Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is being laid to rest Thursday, his family is pushing back against allegations stemming from a recent FBI search warrant, saying the “white crystal-like substance” found inside his work van was not methamphetamine but a “homemade electrolyte” mixture used to stay hydrated while working in the Texas heat.
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The response comes one day after an FBI affidavit filed in support of a search warrant stated investigators found several bags containing what appeared to be a “white crystal-like substance” that an agent believed was consistent with methamphetamine. The substance has not been confirmed through laboratory testing.
In a statement released Thursday, immigration attorney Ruby L. Powers, who represents Lorenzo’s brother, Victor Salgado Araujo, said the family believes the substance was granulated salt mixed with lemon and water as a homemade electrolyte drink commonly used by outdoor workers.
“After consulting with my client and his family, our understanding is that this was granulated salt, which is paired with lemon and water as a homemade electrolyte mix used by outdoor workers in extreme Texas heat, not methamphetamine or any other illicit substance,” Powers said.
Powers emphasized that the FBI affidavit was part of a request for a search warrant and did not establish that a crime had occurred.
“A search warrant does not equate to guilt. An unidentified substance is not a confirmed narcotic,” she said, calling on the FBI to expedite laboratory testing so the family’s names can be cleared.
She added that regardless of what testing ultimately shows, it “will not change the fact that deadly force was used against Lorenzo.”
“You cannot shoot first and ask questions later,” Powers said.
Powers also said Victor Salgado Araujo remains in ICE custody while grieving the loss of his brother and continues fighting to remain in the United States.
“We continue to call for his release so he can participate fully in the investigations and pursuit of justice for his brother,” she said.
Harris County DA questions affidavit
The family’s statement came hours after Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare publicly questioned the significance of the FBI affidavit during an interview with CNN.
Teare said investigators from his office were present while the FBI executed the search warrant and that, based on what his office has seen, “we don’t believe that they are drugs.” He said the FBI would test the substance and urged the FBI to quickly release laboratory test results once testing is complete.
Teare also said the issue is unrelated to the central question investigators are trying to answer.
“It doesn’t matter whether or not there were drugs,” Teare said. “It has no bearing whatsoever on whether or not the use of deadly force against Mr. Salgado was justified. This is a red herring that really has no bearing on a death investigation.”
The district attorney also criticized the federal handling of the investigation, calling the decision to unseal the search warrant before the case is presented to a grand jury unusual and urging federal authorities to explain why it was made public.
“Based on what we’ve learned about the passengers, it’s inconsistent that drugs were in the van,” Teare said in a statement to KPRC 2.
Investigation continues
Salgado Araujo was fatally shot by an ICE agent on July 7 during an attempted stop in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said the agent acted in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly attempted to run over an officer with his work van.
The three men who were riding with Salgado Araujo have disputed that account through their attorney, saying ICE vehicles struck the van and that no agent was ever in danger of being run over.
The FBI affidavit does not determine whether the substance found in the van was an illegal drug, and publicly available court records do not indicate laboratory testing has been completed.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is conducting its own investigation into the shooting alongside the Texas Rangers, while federal authorities continue their investigation into the incident.