Mexican National Killed by ICE in Houston Was Working Toward Legal Status

A Mexican national was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Houston. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo had no criminal convictions during his time living in the U.S., according to his family and Texas congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. He was driving a crew to a homebuilding site when he was killed.

His son, Ronaldo Salgado, stated that Salgado Araujo was working toward securing legal status in the U.S. He knew what actions to take if stopped by ICE. Federal officials claimed they stopped the vehicle as part of an immigration enforcement operation.

“He did not deserve to die. He deserved to live a quiet life as Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a husband, a father, and a job creator,” Salgado said during a news conference.

The shooting occurred in Magnolia Park, a neighborhood renowned as a hub for Houston’s Mexican American community. Hundreds marched through the area, shouting “ICE out of Houston!”

Federal officers allege Salgado Araujo ignored commands and attempted to ram an officer, which led to the shooting. The Department of Homeland Security stated ICE targeted him for living in the country without permission. Houston firefighters reported that Salgado Araujo was shot in the abdomen and died at a hospital.

Other men in the vehicle were detained. One was Salgado’s uncle, Ronaldo said. Daniel Tirado, another occupant, called his wife briefly to state they were being followed. His stepdaughter Juana Degollado mentioned Tirado remembers an ICE agent shooting Salgado with the van door closed.

Jose Rojas, another detainee, had also lived in the U.S. for decades without legal status or a criminal record, according to his stepdaughter Griselda Silva. ICE has not disclosed names or released footage of the shooting.

Civil rights organizations and Democratic officials urged federal authorities to release more information and footage of the incident. League of United Latin American Citizens President Roman Palomares said officers act with impunity.

A $5,000 reward was offered for information or videos from witnesses.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia emphasized the community’s right to truth. A makeshift memorial for Salgado Araujo has been set up at the shooting site.

Ronaldo Salgado recounted his father’s life. He met his wife in their teenage years in Mexico. He listened to music and cared for his dog before leaving for work each day. The family mentioned he was close to obtaining a work permit and legal status.

On Wednesday night, a crowd in Houston marched, holding banners and chanting against ICE. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the killing and announced legal preparations in response.

Claudia Sheinbaum previously expressed concern over other deaths in U.S. immigration detention, raising issues with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and considering appeals to the United Nations.