HOUSTON – Daniel Tirado Pantoja is back with his family after being released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody — but his legal battle is far from over.
The League of United Latin American Citizens, known as LULAC, shared a statement from Tirado Pantoja’s family following his release. The family said they waited 51 days for the moment.
“While our hearts remain full today, they remain heavy for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and (his family),” the statement read, according to LULAC.
In the first moments back in society, Tirado Pantoja was seen wearing a face mask, T-shirt and sweatpants while carrying a plastic bag — reunited once again with his family and his dog.
Background on the Canal Street shooting
In July, Tirado Pantoja was one of three men inside a van with Lorenzo Salgado Araujo when Salgado Araujo was allegedly shot and killed by an immigration agent on Canal Street.
Since then, Tirado Pantoja is one of two men released from ICE custody. Victor Salgado Araujo, the brother of Lorenzo, remains in custody.
Deportation threat, upcoming hearing loom
Despite his release, Tirado Pantoja’s attorney says ICE still intends to deport him. He has an immigration hearing scheduled in the coming weeks.
Immigration attorney Kerry Doyle spoke about what her client will need going forward.
“He’s going to need all his family, and support, and I’m hopeful that we are going to be able to access some professional support as well, because he has been through such trauma, and he’s a hard-working family man, he just really wanted to be there for his family, and somehow he’s been thrown into this terrible situation,” Doyle said.
ICE detention by the numbers
Tirado Pantoja was among more than 65,000 people detained by ICE in July, according to TRAC Immigration reporting.
Reports show 70% of those detained did not have a previous criminal record beyond entering the country without legal status.
Immigration attorney Raed Gonzalez says the Department of Homeland Security is detaining taxpayers and hardworking people.
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