On Wednesday, Houston officials expressed their frustration over the lack of information provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the recent fatal shooting of an immigrant. Meanwhile, the victim’s eldest son publicly honored his father and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ronaldo Salgado, a teacher, spoke at a press conference about his father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, describing him as a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to support his wife and children. “He wanted nothing else in life but to provide for his family and see his sons grow into great individuals,” Salgado remarked.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was known for his consistent routine, leaving home just after dawn each day to work in home construction in North Houston. However, on Tuesday, his day took a tragic turn when he was stopped by agents in unmarked vehicles after picking up three men, including his brother, for work. The Department of Homeland Security later stated that the federal agents were conducting a “targeted enforcement operation” in the East End, a neighborhood with a significant Latino population.
According to ICE, Salgado Araujo allegedly ignored commands and attempted to drive his vehicle toward an agent, prompting the officer to shoot in self-defense. However, Ronaldo Salgado suggested that his father may have misinterpreted the situation as a robbery. “One of his greatest fears was losing his work tools, as they were essential for his livelihood,” he explained.
“If my father had seen any indication that they were law enforcement, he would have complied. He would not have run away because he feared for his life,” he added.
Local leaders have joined the call for an independent investigation into Salgado Araujo’s death. Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), stated, “What we know is very thin. We demand a complete and transparent inquiry. All evidence, including body camera footage, dash cam recordings, bystander videos, and dispatch records should be preserved and made available to an independent investigator and the public.”
LULAC has also announced a $5,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest, indictment, conviction, or exoneration of anyone involved in this incident.
Domingo Garcia, the national president of LULAC, urged the Houston Police Department to take the lead on the investigation, expressing distrust in the federal inquiry. “We do not expect honesty from the Department of Justice or the FBI. We anticipate a cover-up. The only way to hold them accountable is through the residents of Houston,” he asserted.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety clarified that it was not involved in the incident and redirected inquiries to ICE. It remains unclear if the DPS will initiate its own investigation.
Last year, the department was involved in examining an ICE officer’s shooting of 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez in South Padre Island, where allegations were made that Martinez had tried to run over an agent. However, body and security camera footage later released by DPS did not confirm the agent’s claims.
Ronaldo Salgado recounted the heartbreaking moment he learned of his father’s death through a social media video just an hour after the incident. “I saw a Facebook video that he had been shot,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “I recognized him immediately, not by his appearance, but by his cries for help as he lay on the street, bleeding.” Salgado’s father was pronounced dead at Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital, the same facility where both he and his brother were born.
For the past 35 years, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was a familiar figure in his neighborhood, often found relaxing on his porch after work, listening to music, and spending time with his dog. “I want the world to remember my father as a family man who believed in hard work, not just as a victim of violence,” Ronaldo said, his voice quivering with emotion.
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, whose family has immigrant roots in Mexico, expressed her sorrow for the Salgado family. “My heart breaks for Lorenzo’s family, who will never have him back. He dedicated his life to building others’ American dreams, and now his has been tragically cut short. We demand the truth, answers, and accountability,” she said.
In Austin, a coalition of civil rights groups and faith leaders condemned the incident, labeling it a “killing” and urging officials to address the issue of ICE violence in their communities. “This tragedy is a direct consequence of the militarization of our neighborhoods,” stated Mario Gaona from the Party for Socialism and Liberation during a press conference. “The fear and corruption must end. This year, $30 billion in taxpayer funds have been allocated to this deportation machine.”
Gaona further emphasized that the presence of federal agents does not enhance safety in cities. “Instead, it breeds fear where peace should exist, disrupts families, and undermines the trust essential for people to live and work harmoniously.”
