AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE) — The family of a Houston-area man who was shot and killed during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation is speaking publicly as the case draws calls for transparency from Democratic leaders and immigrant advocates.
The shooting also became part of the conversation Wednesday in Austin, where community members, faith leaders, and advocacy groups gathered outside the Travis County Commissioners Court to voice concerns about immigration enforcement in Central Texas.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents were attempting to arrest 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on Tuesday when he ignored commands and attempted to ram an officer with his vehicle. DHS said the officer fired in self-defense.
Salgado Araujo’s family disputes that account.
Speaking Wednesday, Salgado Araujo’s oldest son, Ronaldo Salgado, described his father as a devoted family man.
“My father was a simple man, a family man, a man of routine. He dedicated his life in the United States to giving his family the American dream.”
He also said his father was working toward legal status.
“We dotted every I, crossed every T, filled every document, attended every appointment. He was close to obtaining his legal status.”
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At Wednesday’s rally in Austin, organizers said they have seen what they describe as increased ICE enforcement activity in Central Texas and urged local elected officials to do more to protect immigrant communities. They also pointed to the Houston shooting as they renewed calls for greater transparency.
Alejandro Caceres with the Austin Sanctuary Network said the group has recently noticed an increase in ICE activity.
“In the last week, we have seen an escalation from ICE in our neighborhoods. Not only an increased presence, but also more aggression in their tactics.”
Caceres said the recent enforcement activity has left many immigrant families fearful.
“No matter if you’re a good person, no matter if you have a driver’s license, if you have a work permit, if you’re going through asylum proceedings, you’re being picked up, so I feel right now there is a lot of fear.”
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders are calling for an independent investigation.
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia said investigators should fully examine what happened.
“We need a full investigation and a transparent investigation. This is exactly why Democrats have been demanding real reforms in ICE.”
The Texas Democratic Party also called on federal officials to release all available evidence before reaching conclusions.
Republican leaders have continued to defend Texas’ broader border security efforts. Speaking at last month’s Texas Republican Convention, Gov. Greg Abbott said:
“Texas has done more than any state in the history of America to secure our border. The only state ever to build our own border wall.”
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum also announced Wednesday that her government is preparing legal measures in response to the shooting.
CBS Austin reached out to the Mexican Consulate in Austin for comment but had not received a response as of Wednesday evening.