AUSTIN, Texas — A federal judge has ordered the release of a key witness in the fatal Houston ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a decision that drew swift reaction from Texas politicians and immigrant-rights advocates as the case continues to spark protests.

According to The Texas Tribune, Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego must be released within 48 hours of an order issued Monday evening. Rojas Pliego was being held in Department of Homeland Security custody.

Rojas Pliego was one of three passengers inside Salgado Araujo’s van when ICE agents began following them in Houston on July seventh. With no body camera or dash camera video of the shooting, the passengers are the only known witnesses.

The passengers say agents rammed the van before opening fire. Federal officials, however, say Salgado Araujo tried to ram an agent’s vehicle.

The judge’s order says Rojas Pliego must be released in a public place, and his attorneys must be given at least three hours’ notice. DHS would also need a hearing before trying to detain him again.

U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia responded in a social media post, saying, “We will keep fighting for their due process, the truth about what happened to Lorenzo, and justice for the Salgado family.”

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The Party for Socialism and Liberation called the order a “victory” and urged supporters to keep fighting.

The case has continued to draw protests, including an “ICE OUT” rally and vigil in Houston this weekend for people killed by federal officers. Mark Rodriguez, identified as a Houston business owner, said, “People are in fear of coming out of our community. I mean the school enrollment is down, the construction sites are down. I mean people are in fear for their lives of what happened to Lorenzo.”

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office said a white substance found inside the van was tested and was not an illegal drug. Salgado Araujo’s family said it was electrolyte powder he used while working in the Texas heat.

Attorneys say the other two witnesses have filed similar requests for release. DHS has not yet commented on the judge’s order.