HOUSTON — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the steps of Houston City Hall on Saturday to demand an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and to call for the release of three witnesses who remain in immigration detention.
The protest came four days after Salgado Araujo, 52, was fatally shot during a federal immigration operation in Houston. Participants carried signs, waved Mexican flags and marched from City Hall to a federal detention center about a mile away.
“I would like to see a clear understanding of what happened, of why they believed they had the right to do that to an individual, and for them to be held accountable,” Houston resident Charles Torres said.
The demonstration was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s Houston chapter. Organizers urged supporters to continue pressing city officials for an independent investigation and announced another protest scheduled for Tuesday during the Houston City Council public comment session.
The rally followed a vigil earlier Saturday attended by community members, labor leaders, elected officials and Salgado Araujo’s family.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said Friday the city would pursue a local investigation into the shooting after previously stating Houston lacked jurisdiction because federal authorities controlled the case.
Federal officials said an ICE agent fired in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly attempted to strike an officer with his vehicle during an enforcement operation. However, attorneys representing the three passengers in the van dispute that account, saying officers were not in the vehicle’s path.
State Rep. Christina Morales called for the release of evidence and the witnesses, leading protesters in chants demanding the release of video footage and an independent investigation.
Many demonstrators also highlighted concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the complexity of the U.S. immigration system, noting that Salgado Araujo had been seeking legal work authorization.
The march concluded with a tribute to Salgado Araujo, as participants observed a moment of silence and sang “Amor Eterno” while embracing one another in remembrance of the father of three.