Mexican National Fatally Shot by ICE Officer in Houston
A Mexican national, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Houston. According to his family and a Texas congresswoman, Salgado had no criminal convictions and was working toward securing legal status in the U.S. when he was killed while driving a crew to a homebuilding site.
Federal officials stated the vehicle was stopped during an immigration enforcement operation. Salgado’s son suggested his father might have been scared, believing the people in unmarked vehicles were trying to steal tools he used for homebuilding. Salgado’s dedication to sending his three sons to college highlighted his commitment to achieving the American dream.
During a news conference, Ronaldo Salgado expressed that his father deserved to live a quiet life, emphasizing his roles as a husband, a father, and an employer.
The shooting occurred in Magnolia Park, a neighborhood recognized as the center of Houston’s Mexican American community for a century. In response, hundreds marched, chanting to remove ICE from Houston.
Federal officials asserted that Salgado was shot after attempting to ram an officer. ICE targeted him for living without legal permission. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia confirmed Salgado had no criminal convictions. He was shot in the abdomen and died in the hospital.
As Salgado lay on the ground, three other men appeared to be detained. They were reportedly in the van during the incident, including Salgado’s uncle Daniel Tirado, who briefly informed his wife they were being followed.
“What he remembers is that an ICE agent shot Lorenzo and the van door was closed.” — Juana Degollado, Tirado’s stepdaughter
Tirado’s stepdaughter indicated Tirado’s call lasted only five minutes, and they have had no further contact or information from ICE or the FBI. Another detained individual, Jose Rojas, also had lived in the U.S. for decades without a criminal record.
The names of the detained individuals remain unreleased. No video or images of the shooting or the vehicles have been provided by federal officials.
Civil rights groups expressed skepticism toward ICE’s investigation, referencing discrepancies in previous federal officer-involved shootings. The League of United Latin American Citizens offered a reward for video evidence, advocating for an independent investigation.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare remarked on the necessity for transparency and truth, but federal authorities maintain control over the investigation. ICE and DHS representatives have not responded to requests for comments.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin took office in March, aiming to avoid controversies of previous administrations. However, there have been multiple fatalities since the start of aggressive immigration policies.
Ronaldo Salgado recounted his father’s dedication to securing legal status. Salgado Araujo had submitted necessary documentation and had undergone biometric scans and fingerprinting. Yet, he was shot despite efforts to comply with legal processes.
“Had my father seen an emblem of ICE or anything indicating a law enforcement agency, he would have complied.” — Lorenzo Salgado Jr.
On Wednesday, a crowd marched in Houston, honoring Salgado’s memory and demanding justice. Mexican flags and signs bearing Salgado’s image conveyed the call to abolish ICE.
U.S. lawmakers, led by Rep. Garcia, sent a letter to DHS seeking answers about the incident. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced legal preparations in response to the shooting, condemning the mistreatment of Mexican nationals in the U.S.
In April, Sheinbaum had raised concerns over Mexican detainees’ deaths, seeking intervention from international bodies such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and considering action at the United Nations.