Son of Mexican killed by ICE remembers his passion for the Mexican National Team and Chivas; "I want you to meet my father"

The death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Houston, Texas, has sparked outrage among his family, community leaders, and advocacy groups. On Tuesday, the 46-year-old man was traveling to work when his vehicle was surrounded by three unmarked patrol cars. According to his son, Ronaldo Salgado, the incident unfolded under alarming circumstances. His father, who worked in construction, was on his way to work with three other men, including his uncle, when they were stopped by agents. The family claims that their loved one was not a criminal but rather a hardworking individual striving to legally reside in the United States.

Ronaldo Salgado, the eldest son of Lorenzo, expressed deep sorrow and anger over the tragic event during a press conference held in Houston. He described his father as a dedicated worker and a devoted family man, emphasizing that Lorenzo had built a life in America and contributed significantly to his community. “He didn’t deserve to die,” Ronaldo said, stressing that his father should have been remembered as a husband, father, and employer, not merely as a victim of violence. The family’s frustration stems from the fact that they learned of Lorenzo's death through social media rather than direct communication from authorities.

The situation took a further turn when the family discovered that three of Lorenzo’s companions—his uncle and two others—were detained by ICE agents. These individuals, who were also part of the group, are feared to be at risk of deportation before they can testify about the incident. The ICE has yet to provide information regarding the whereabouts of these witnesses, according to reports from TheBulwark. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns within the community, particularly among activists and local politicians who believe that the agency is not being held accountable for its actions.

In response to the tragedy, state Senator Carol Alvarado and other officials from the sixth district of Texas have called for an investigation into the shooting. They urged the director of public safety, Colonel Freeman F. Martin, to take action. Ronaldo Salgado recounted how he first learned of his father’s death via a Facebook post that detailed ICE activity in east Houston. Despite arriving at the scene, where authorities had cordoned off the area, he received little to no information until local organizations and political figures intervened. It was only through media coverage that the family became aware of Lorenzo’s fatal condition.

Ronaldo’s emotional plea for justice resonated with many, especially given the broader context of immigration enforcement practices in the U.S. Román Palomares, president of LULAC, the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the country, voiced skepticism toward the official narrative presented by ICE. He claimed that the agency’s assertion that Lorenzo attempted to evade arrest and then attacked an officer is unfounded. “It is unacceptable and un-American to use lethal force against a human being,” Palomares stated. He emphasized that without access to critical evidence such as surveillance footage, there is reason to believe that Lorenzo was unlawfully killed.

LULAC has taken decisive steps by requesting a full investigation from both the city police department and the local prosecutor’s office. Additionally, the organization has offered a $5,000 reward for any information related to the shooting. Former LULAC president Domingo García criticized the ICE as an out-of-control entity requiring oversight. His comments, reported by The Washington Post, reflect growing distrust among immigrant communities toward federal agencies responsible for enforcing immigration laws.

Meanwhile, Daniel Tirado, another man in the vehicle, managed to call his wife briefly before losing contact. His daughter-in-law, Juana Degollado, relayed this account to The Associated Press. She noted that Tirado recalled seeing an ICE agent shoot Lorenzo and that the truck door was closed at the time. However, the family has been unable to obtain further details from either ICE or the FBI, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and distress.

As the family mourns the loss of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the demand for accountability continues to grow. With ongoing calls for transparency and justice, the case highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy, law enforcement practices, and the personal stories of those affected. The future of this case remains uncertain, but the voices of the family and their allies will likely continue to shape the discourse surrounding the treatment of immigrants in the United States.