A federal judge ordered the release of one witness in the Lorenzo Salgado case, while two others remain in ICE custody awaiting rulings.
HOUSTON — A federal judge ordered the release of one of three men ICE detained after the shooting that killed Lorenzo Salgado, and he walked out of the Conroe detention center around noon Wednesday.
Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego was riding in the van when the shooting happened nearly three weeks ago. Just hours after his release, he went to the memorial for Salgado on Canal Street, accompanied by his attorney and family members, including his wife, who hugged him and cried.
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KHOU 11’s Anayeli Ruiz was the only reporter to speak with Rojas Pliego after his release. He told her he wanted to pay his respects to his boss.
Rojas Pliego has no criminal record and has lived in the country for 28 years. His wife and stepchildren are U.S. citizens.
Speaking in Spanish, Rojas Pliego described what he says happened to Salgado.
“They took Lorenzo Salgado’s life away… instead of giving him [help], they immediately handcuffed him. And they slammed him to the floor, and that’s not right. I want justice for Lorenzo Salgado. My boss was a good boss.”
After his release on Wednesday, the federal government filed an appeal seeking to have Pliego remain in ICE custody. His attorneys say they plan to fight that appeal and argue he should be allowed to stay with his family while his immigration case continues.
KHOU 11 reached out to ICE for comment but had not received a response as of Wednesday.
Federal officials have maintained Salgado rammed into an ICE vehicle and refused to follow orders. They also said he tried to “weaponize” his vehicle and run over an officer.
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