HOUSTON — A diverse crowd gathered Wednesday evening with a sense of anger mixed with grief for a vigil honoring Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent. The attendees demanded justice and called for the agency to leave the city.
Hundreds of people flooded the residential street where the 52-year-old was shot during an unspecified “targeted enforcement operation” in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Houston’s east side. The crowd rallied around speakers, including several U.S. representatives from the Houston area, residents, and advocates, gripping signs that called for ICE to leave the state, some emblazoned with Salgado Araujo’s face.
A candlelight vigil took place at a newly crafted mural not far from the site of Salgado Araujo’s shooting on Canal Street. Attendees left candles, stuffed animals, and heartfelt notes as they paid their respects to a man who had lived in Houston for 35 years. The peaceful gathering was marked by a heavy police presence that occupied most of the parking on the block.
Daniel Rodriguez, a 20-year-old attendee, expressed pride in the diverse group that came together to show solidarity with those targeted by ICE. “It’s just sad, it’s just tragic, because that man had a beautiful family, and there are other stories that aren’t told,” he said, reflecting the sentiment felt by many at the vigil.
ICE claims that Salgado Araujo, who had no criminal history, attempted to ram his van into an ICE vehicle and run over an agent before the federal officer fired in self-defense. However, family members and speakers at the vigil disputed this account, arguing that such a description was implausible given Salgado Araujo’s character and their distrust of the agency’s narrative.
One of Salgado Araujo’s sons, Ronaldo Salgado, suggested that his father likely panicked after being followed by unmarked cars, fearing someone was attempting to steal his van and work tools. This incident highlights a broader concern regarding ICE’s use of unmarked vehicles and masked agents, which often leaves individuals unaware that they are being pursued by federal agents.
U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, D-Houston, echoed doubts regarding ICE’s version of events during the vigil. He pointed to earlier instances in Minnesota where claims made by ICE agents were later contradicted by video evidence. “ICE came to Houston and killed one of our own,” Menefee stated. “This is not the first time this has happened … and every single time they come and they tell us their version of events, but we don’t see any evidence.”
A statement from Salgado Araujo’s family read during the vigil called for three actions: a full independent investigation into their loved one’s death, reform of “ambush-style” ICE tactics, and community support for Maria, his widow.
Residents expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in their neighborhood. Geneva Rajpute, a local resident, remarked that she and her neighbors “shouldn’t be afraid to go down the street,” yet the shooting has left them in shock. “I never thought something like this would happen this close to my home,” she added. “We are the melting pot. It’s Houston.”
Calls for an independent investigation into the shooting have intensified since Salgado Araujo’s death, garnering support from multiple members of Congress and the state Legislature. The FBI has taken over the investigation, while Houston’s police department, which was not present during the incident, is not currently involved, nor is the Department of Public Safety, which typically investigates police shootings in Texas.
After remarks in both English and Spanish and a vigil near the shooting site, attendees briefly marched down the street before listening to advocates and community leaders at the end of the two-hour gathering. Dancers also performed to honor Salgado Araujo’s memory.
Bianca Santorini, an immigration attorney and Democratic candidate for Brazoria County district attorney, emphasized that those who criticize immigrants for not following the rules often lack understanding of the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. “You don’t know how long it takes, you don’t know that the immigration system is treated like a pendulum every four years depending on who is in the White House,” Santorini stated.
Lomi Kriel contributed to this story.
