ther testing has confirmed the substance. (FBI)

FBI states suspected drugs were visible inside van

According to the search warrant affidavit,  while staying outside  FBI agents inspected the vehicle and found  several plastic bags with what appeared to be a white crystal-like substance packaged in small plastic bags. 

Photos included in an FBI search warrant affidavit show the interior of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's work van after the July 7 fatal ICE shooting in Houston. Investigators said they observed bags containing a white crystal-like substance inside the vehicle. The FBI said the substances observed inside the van appeared consistent with methamphetamine based on investigators' training and experience. The affidavit does not indicate whether testing has confirmed the substance. (FBI)

Investigators wrote that they observed three plastic bags containing the substance on the center dashboard between the driver and passenger seats.

The affidavit also states investigators saw another small plastic bag containing a similar substance on the passenger-side floorboard.

The FBI's Evidence Response Team later photographed the vehicle's interior from outside the van before law enforcement entered or searched the vehicle, according to the affidavit.

Based on the affiant's training and experience, the investigator wrote that the appearance and packaging of the substance were consistent with methamphetamine, a  Schedule II controlled substance,  and consistent with how controlled substances may be packaged for  distribution, manufacturing, and possession. 

The FBI requested a search warrant to examine the vehicle and collect potential evidence related to the alleged drug offenses.

The affidavit states investigators believed they already had legal authority to search the vehicle under the automobile exception to the Fourth Amendment because they had probable cause to believe it contained contraband. However, the FBI said it sought the warrant  out of an abundance of caution  to ensure the search complied with constitutional and statutory requirements.

The search warrant does not determine whether a crime occurred, and the affidavit does not indicate whether laboratory testing has confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.

Shooting investigation remains ongoing

Salgado Araujo was shot and killed while on his way to work in Houston's Magnolia Park neighborhood on July 7, 2026. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he and three other men were not the target of their operation.

DHS told KPRC 2 the ICE agent acted in self-defense after Araujo allegedly  weaponized  his work van by trying to run over an agent.

However, the three other men who were inside the van have disputed that account.

Through statements provided by their attorney, the men said ICE vehicles struck Salgado Araujo's work van and that agents were never in front of or in danger of being run over.

They allege an agent approached from the passenger side, yelled  Stop!  and then opened fire, hitting Araujo in the right side of his abdomen.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office with the cooperation of the City of Houston is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.

District Attorney Sean Teare has said investigators are working to establish a complete timeline and are asking anyone with photos, videos or other evidence to come forward.

U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia has said she spoke with the three men who were inside the van and that their accounts also contradict the version of events provided by federal authorities.

As of Tuesday, no publicly available video showing the shooting has surfaced from federal authorities. Homeland Security has said the agents involved were not wearing body cameras.

Rep. Garcia has also said ICE officials told her the agency's vehicles were not equipped with dash cameras during the incident.

While the FBI's search warrant provides new details about what investigators say they found inside the van, it does not address whether the use of deadly force was justified.