Federal investigators are examining whether illegal drugs were present in a vehicle involved in a recent fatal incident with immigration agents in Houston. According to a search warrant application, signed by a federal judge, the FBI seeks to determine if ‘controlled substances’ were inside the van.

The incident involved Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, aged 52, who was driving a white Ford Transit cargo van. He was heading to a construction job on July 7 with three passengers when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents began trailing them. A pursuit ensued, resulting in an ICE agent fatally shooting Mr. Salgado Araujo in the abdomen.

Special Agent David McNeilly of the FBI stated that the U.S. is collecting all facts concerning the incident, including what may have prompted the van’s occupants to flee. The agents were reportedly targeting a different individual, confirmed a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security.

There was no indication drugs triggered the encounter, and agents did not suspect their presence beforehand. Nor has there been any implication that Mr. Salgado Araujo or the passengers had any drug involvement or criminal history.