HOUSTON – Victor Salgado Araujo, the brother of a man fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during an enforcement operation in Houston, has been released from ICE custody after more than 50 days in detention, according to his attorney.
Immigration attorney Ruby Powers announced Sunday that Salgado Araujo had been released and reunited with his family.
“We are incredibly grateful to see Victor free after more than 50 days of uncertainty and separation from his family,” Powers said in a statement. “Our priority throughout this process has been advocating for his release and protecting his rights.”
Salgado Araujo was present on July 7 when his brother, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was fatally shot during an ICE operation on Canal Street in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood.
The family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo released a statement saying in part, “After 54 days, our uncle and my dad’s youngest brother, Victor Hugo Salgado, was released this morning. We picked him up from Montgomery Detention Center before noon. His first meal was chilaquiles from his favorite restaurant, just as his usual Sunday routine called for. He is now with family, finally able to process the tragic loss he witnessed and the nearly two months spent in detention.”
Federal authorities have said ICE agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation when Lorenzo Salgado Araujo allegedly attempted to flee in a vehicle and used it as a weapon against officers. An ICE agent then opened fire, killing him.
Attorneys representing the family and witnesses have disputed the government’s account of what happened and have repeatedly called for the release of video and other evidence from the shooting.
Victor Salgado Araujo was taken into immigration custody following the incident. He is also considered an important witness to his brother’s death as the investigation into the shooting continues.
His release comes after another witness to the shooting, José Trinidad Rojas Pliego, was released from ICE custody in July following a federal judge’s order. Another witness, Daniel Tirado Pantoja, was also ordered released from immigration detention in August.
The three men were with Lorenzo Salgado Araujo at the time of the July 7 operation.
Attorneys for the men previously obtained U visa certifications from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office identifying them as victims or witnesses in connection with potential crimes including felonious assault, manslaughter and murder. A U visa certification does not determine that a crime occurred or that anyone is criminally responsible, but can support an immigration application for qualifying victims who assist law enforcement.
The FBI has been investigating the circumstances surrounding Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s death.
Powers said Victor’s release does not end the family’s push for answers about the shooting.
“Victor’s release is an important moment, but it is not the end of this fight,” Powers said. “The pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo continues.”
Here is the entire statement from the family:
“After 54 days, our uncle and my dad’s youngest brother, Victor Hugo Salgado, was released this morning.
We picked him up from Montgomery Detention Center before noon. His first meal was chilaquiles from his favorite restaurant, just as his usual Sunday routine called for.
He is now with family, finally able to process the tragic loss he witnessed and the nearly two months spent in detention.
My uncle wants to thank all the people in the city and around the world who have prayed for his release.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the attorney Ruby Powers and the rest of the team at Powers Law Group for their professionalism since the beginning of this tragedy. Additionally, we would also like to thank the Mexican Consulate of Houston for their incredibly generous support throughout this process.
We are more than happy that all three men who were in my dad’s van are finally with their families. Grieving is a process that is done better around loved ones, not inside a detention center.
Today is a key step in justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.
We ask that everyone respect my uncle’s and family’s privacy during this time. No additional statements or interviews will be provided during this time.
Thank you.
Familia Salgado”
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