HOUSTON, Texas — Family members, civil rights organizations, elected officials, and community leaders gathered Wednesday to demand an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Houston.
The news conference, organized by the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), focused on calls for transparency surrounding the July 7 shooting, including the release of body camera footage, dash camera video, dispatch records and other evidence.
LULAC National President Ramon Palomares said the organization is demanding a full accounting of the incident, arguing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not earned the public’s trust and calling for an independent investigation by local authorities. Other LULAC leaders cited previous federal officer-involved shootings and urged state and local agencies to preserve and release all available evidence.
Salgado Araujo’s eldest son described his father as a hardworking husband, father and construction business owner who had lived in the United States for approximately 35 years. He said his father left home early Tuesday morning to pick up workers before heading to a construction site when he was shot near the intersection of Race Street and Canal Street. He told reporters the family learned of his father’s death through social media before receiving official confirmation.
According to his son, Salgado Araujo had been working through the legal process to obtain a work permit for approximately a year and a half and had recently completed biometric appointments as part of that application. He said his father had no criminal history and was the primary provider for the family.
The family also said three other men who were with Salgado Araujo during the operation were detained. Their identities were not released, and family representatives said they were seeking information about their status.
Among those speaking at the event were Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congressman Al Green, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, Houston City Council Member Alejandro Salinas, and representatives for Harris County Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Rodney Ellis.
Speakers repeatedly called for an independent investigation by the Houston Police Department and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office rather than relying solely on a federal investigation. Several also urged any witnesses or individuals with video evidence to come forward.
The family announced that a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for Salgado Araujo’s widow.
