HOUSTON — Hundreds of protesters gathered Sunday at Ervan Chew Park in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood to demand transparency and accountability in the July 7 fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as multiple investigations into the incident continue.
Organizers canceled a planned march about 30 minutes before it was scheduled to begin after several participants experienced heat-related issues, according to Stephanie Padilla of Immigration Youth Texas. The protest proceeded with speeches at the park, where demonstrators called for changes to ICE operations and an independent investigation into the shooting. Some protesters briefly occupied the Dunlavy Street bridge over the Southwest Freeway, temporarily blocking traffic.
The protest was organized by Immigration Youth Texas, the Houston chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and several other organizations.
Salgado Araujo’s sons, Ronaldo and Lorenzo Jr., addressed the crowd and renewed their call for a full and independent investigation.
“We want to continue pressuring the government to allow for a full, transparent, independent investigation,” Ronaldo Salgado said.
The family buried Salgado Araujo on Saturday after holding a public vigil and celebration of his life on Thursday.
ICE said agents fatally shot Salgado Araujo during a targeted enforcement operation on July 7. The Department of Homeland Security later confirmed that Salgado Araujo was not the intended target. ICE said an agent fired in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly attempted to strike officers with his vehicle. Three other men who were in the van disputed that account, saying an agent opened the passenger door and fired immediately.
Authorities have launched multiple investigations into the shooting. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation. The Texas Rangers are investigating at the request of the Houston Police Department, while the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General is reviewing the incident. The FBI said it is investigating a possible assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
Several protesters said they attended the rally to seek accountability and greater transparency in the investigation.
The shooting has prompted demonstrations across Houston, including a protest at City Hall last week where residents urged city officials to seek an independent investigation and review ICE operations.
