Dave Matthews, known as the lead singer of the Dave Matthews Band, openly criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a recent concert. “I don’t know why we let people make excuses for why we should kill each other, you know?” Matthews expressed his frustration at societal violence, highlighting how children are influenced by these narratives as they grow up. In a video from the concert, Matthews commented, “There’s always reasons that we should kill each other. They tell our children and use their words when they grow up. I wonder what’s wrong with us.”
He referred to the incident involving Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot by ICE agents in Houston. Matthews stated, “I wanted to say his name. I wrote it down so I didn’t forget it, this young man who was—well, old man, but we’re all young—this father and grandfather who was murdered by ICE in Houston, Texas. And then they say he’s not even the guy they were looking for. Well, then don’t pull the trigger, you a–holes.”
Matthews further expressed regret if his language was offensive to Araujo’s family or community. However, he conveyed his anger by dedicating a message to Araujo’s memory.
Illegal immigrant Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national, was involved in an altercation with ICE in Houston. ICE stated that Araujo attempted to evade officers and used his vehicle as a weapon, leading an officer to shoot in self-defense.
This incident has sparked strong emotions, and Matthews has been vocal about his opposition to ICE actions. Previously, he denounced ICE following the death of activist Renee Good, who was killed in Minneapolis during a confrontation with ICE agents. Matthews shared his views on Instagram, stating, “I don’t want my taxes to pay for ICE, to masked thugs to roam our streets and terrorize our communities and rip families apart. We should be taking care of each other.”
He criticized what he perceives as narratives sold by political administrations and insisted that media transparency reveals the truth behind such incidents.
A vigil was held in Houston for Araujo, demonstrating public concern over ICE’s methods. This continues a broader conversation about immigration enforcement practices across the country.