Federal Officers Shoot Man After Van Strikes Their Vehicle in Houston Traffic Stop

Federal immigration officers fatally shot a 52-year-old Mexican national during a traffic stop in Houston on Tuesday morning after mistaking him for the target of an enforcement operation. m. when officers attempted to stop the vehicle as part of a targeted enforcement action.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the man ignored verbal commands, rammed an unmarked SUV and attempted to run over an officer, prompting the shooting in self-defense.

Officials later confirmed the man was not the intended target of the operation. Officers believed he resembled the person they were searching for after two white vans similar to his had been seen on the property of the target weeks earlier. The man had lived in the Houston area for 35 years, owned a construction business and was close to obtaining legal work authorization, according to family members.

Passengers inside the vehicle told investigators that unmarked ICE vehicles rammed the slow-moving van and that no officers were positioned in front of or behind the vehicle at the time of the shooting. An attorney representing the family described the government account as completely false and inconsistent with the passengers' recollection.

The three passengers, including the man's brother, are currently being held in federal custody.

The FBI, DHS Office of Inspector General and Harris County District Attorney's Office have opened inquiries into the shooting. The district attorney said federal authorities did not invite local prosecutors to the scene and that a lack of cooperation has hindered the county investigation.

The mayor said the city will not rest until a thorough, independent investigation is completed. Mexico's president announced that the country intends to file criminal complaints regarding Mexican citizens who have died in federal U.S. custody or during enforcement operations.