Ronaldo Salgado and Lorenzo Jr., sons of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, hold a photograph of their father during a news conference Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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.


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.



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