HOUSTON — U.S. Rep. Al Green said congressional lawmakers are prepared to hold a “shadow hearing” in Houston if they do not receive answers from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.

Speaking Friday during a news conference led by U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, Green said he has been working with Bennie Thompson, the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, to push for a federal congressional investigation.

Green said he previously announced plans to ask the committee to take up the case and has since sent a letter to committee members.

“I especially talked to Bennie Thompson, who is the ranking member on the committee,” Green said. “He has assured me of two things. One, he’s going to do everything that he can to make sure that we investigate at the federal level.”

Green said Thompson also pledged that if Congress does not receive the information it is seeking, lawmakers will bring the investigation to Houston.

“If we don’t get the results we’re looking for, we will have a shadow hearing right here in Houston, Texas,” Green said. “He will come to Houston, Texas. We will assemble our people.”

Green said members of Congress have the authority to demand answers from federal agencies.

“This is not something that we take lightly,” Green said. “We don’t have to ask. We don’t have to beg. We don’t have to plead. We don’t have to grovel. We can demand. This is what the Constitution allows.”

The comments came as members of Congress continue pressing the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for information surrounding the July 7 fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Congressional Democrats have requested documents and records related to the operation while calling for greater transparency and accountability.