HOUSTON — Democratic members of Congress said Friday they will investigate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and pursue reforms if they regain control of the House after the November midterm elections, citing the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston earlier this month.
Lawmakers made the pledge during an oversight forum in Houston, where Salgado Araujo’s family, civil rights advocates and immigration leaders testified about the July 7 shooting.
U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, D-Houston, sharply criticized ICE, calling for the agency to be rebuilt and saying a Democratic-controlled House would launch investigations into Salgado Araujo’s death and other fatal encounters involving ICE agents.
Salgado Araujo’s sons urged Congress to ensure an independent investigation, arguing ICE should not oversee evidence in a case involving its own personnel. They called for federal, state and local investigations to proceed with full cooperation and public accountability.
Juan Proaño, chief executive officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens, testified that at least 30 incidents involving federal agents firing at people have occurred over the past year, resulting in eight deaths and at least 14 injuries. He also said at least 52 people have died in ICE custody during the first 500 days of President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Lawmakers proposed reforms including requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and use dashboard cameras, while calling for broader immigration system changes.
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, said ICE and the Department of Homeland Security declined to participate in the hearing. Federal authorities have said Salgado Araujo tried to use his vehicle against an ICE agent, prompting the officer to fire in self-defense, an account disputed by passengers who were in the van.