Continued Calls For ICE Accountability In Texas

Nearly three weeks after Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot by an ICE officer in Magnolia Park on July 7, there have been continued vigils, remembrances, and demonstrations throughout Texas. Many protesters are demanding not only accountability for what happened to Salgado Araujo, but an end to what they see as systemic violence from a federal immigration enforcement agency.

On Friday, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, who represents Magnolia Park, hosted a congressional oversight forum with several other members, Houston District Attorney Sean Teare, and two of Salgado Araujo’s sons. Both Ronaldo Salgado and Lorenzo Salgado Jr. spoke passionately about their father, who they described as a hard worker. The two sons also outlined what they hope will be next steps, including a full investigation with true oversight into what happened to their father.

They also want protections for the other men in the van with Salgado Araujo, including their uncle. “This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s an issue of right and wrong,” said Lorenzo Salgado. The three other passengers are currently being held in a detention facility outside Conroe.

At the forum Houston DA Teare also spoke and answered questions. He told the forum that because his office was conducting an ongoing investigation, he could not get into specifics. But he noted the case was moving quickly.

When he was asked by Rep. Bennie Thompson if his office has received anything from the Department of Homeland Security, Teare said they have not received any response. Teare commented that was abnormal, and he had never experienced anything like that in twenty years in law enforcement. Teare also confirmed that his office does not know the shooter’s identity, or if the shooter is still working with ICE.

Demonstrators in Houston participated in a “No Business As Usual” protest on Friday, where they asked residents to refrain from spending money as a means of pressuring leaders in the city over what happened to Salgado Aruajo. There was also a march that went from Hidalgo Park to a memorial for Salgado Aruajo that hundreds took part on.

While Houston is certainly the epicenter of protests, there have been sizable demonstrations against ICE around the whole state. At an Austin vigil, organizers displayed the names of 71 people they allege have either been killed by an ICE officer or died while in ICE custody.

On Tuesday, July 28 the Houston City Council reconvenes for a weekly session. Organizations like Houston DSA are organizing to demand action from the council on releasing the three men being held in Conroe.