The family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican man shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Houston, seeks answers about the incident. Salgado Araujo passed away in the hospital following the confrontation with ICE, which occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
ICE initiated a stop on Salgado Araujo’s vehicle as part of an enforcement operation aimed at detaining him. Following the shooting, ICE released a statement asserting that Salgado Araujo had collided with an ICE vehicle using his van and disregarded orders. They claimed he attempted to run over an ICE officer, prompting self-defense action from the officer.
Ronaldo Salgado, the victim’s son, described his father as a ‘man of routine,’ living in the US for 35 years. He was a diligent business owner who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. On the day of the incident, Salgado Araujo was en route to a project. Three individuals, including Salgado Araujo’s brother, were detained. Ronaldo expressed on social media that his father did not deserve the outcome.
Investigations are underway by the DHS Office of Inspector General and the FBI, which is considering an assault charge on the federal officer. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson reiterated the agency’s previous statement following inquiries.
Ronaldo Salgado recounted being alerted by his mother about the incident, initially unsure of the situation’s severity. He detailed that at 6:45 a.m., his father was expected to pick up crew members; however, within minutes, ICE opened fire, citing an encounter with unmarked ICE vehicles.
Upon visiting the scene, Ronaldo observed the van and ongoing investigation. Images from social media revealed his father pleading for assistance after being shot. Although Ronaldo arrived at the hospital seeking his father, news reports confirmed his father’s death.
Ronaldo highlighted his father’s two-decade contribution to housing projects in suburban Houston. He revealed his father’s near-success in securing legal work permits for immigration status. Despite his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, Ronaldo mourned his absence from home and family life.
Advocates Demand Transparency
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) initiated a petition calling for the release of evidence tied to the shooting. LULAC officials expressed skepticism of the DHS’s narrative, alleging similarity to other fatal shootings involving ICE.
LULAC National CEO and President Juan Proaño and Roman Palomares denounced the shooting as unacceptable. Proaño vowed to uncover the truths surrounding Salgado Araujo’s case, while Palomares echoed demands for accountability.
Calls for thorough investigation emerged from state and local authorities. Houston Mayor John Whitmire acknowledged the city’s limited investigatory capacity yet advocated for a transparent review of federal handling of the incident. He addressed the community’s distress, emphasizing ongoing monitoring of the situation.
In light of past ICE incidents, Houston officials criticized federal practices. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones and City Councilwoman Dr. Letitia Plummer, among others, pressed for judicial oversight and independent inquiry.
U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia joined efforts for detailed examination, citing lack of criminal allegations against Salgado Araujo and similarities to other cases.
She stressed unanswered questions about procedural authorization and de-escalation measures, advocating for clarity to restore community trust.