HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s been nearly three weeks since a man was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on Canal Street.
Community members gathered in Magnolia Park to honor Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Houston construction worker shot and killed by an ICE agent during an immigration enforcement operation. The Department of Homeland Security has said the agent fired because Salgado Araujo was trying to run over an officer.
However, his family and the four other men who were inside his van that morning have disputed that account. As a result, the case has led to growing calls for transparency while several investigations continue.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo Vigil Draws Community Support
On Saturday, residents, workers, faith leaders and advocates gathered for a procession and vigil in Magnolia Park. Many said the event was meant to honor Salgado Araujo’s life and demand answers about his death.
Rows of yellow construction hats lined the gathering. In addition, dozens of people marched arm in arm through the neighborhood in a show of support.
Community members told ABC13 the vigil also honored immigrants who have helped build Houston’s neighborhoods, homes and businesses. For many, Salgado Araujo represented the workers often seen on job sites across the city.
According to his family, he was an undocumented construction worker who was working to gain legal status. They said he had lived in the United States for 35 years and had no criminal record.
Family Disputes DHS Account
DHS has said Salgado Araujo was not the target of the enforcement operation. Still, the agency has said an ICE officer shot and killed him after he allegedly tried to run over an agent.
Salgado Araujo’s family has challenged that version of events. Meanwhile, the four men who were in his van that morning have also disputed the federal account.
The federal government has said there is no body camera or dash camera video of the shooting. Consequently, that detail has increased frustration among relatives and supporters.
Over the past three weeks, many community members have asked for more information. They say the public deserves a full and clear explanation of what happened.
Faith Leaders Call for Accountability
Lydia Muñoz, executive director of the United Latino Ministry Methodist Church, spoke about what Salgado Araujo’s death means to many families.
“When we see Lorenzo, we see our fathers. We see our uncles. We see our brothers. We see our husbands. We see our fellow workers. We see our familia,” Muñoz said.
Her words reflected the emotions of many people at the vigil. Moreover, supporters said the shooting has shaken immigrant families and workers across Houston.
The gathering also highlighted the role of construction workers in the city’s growth. Attendees said many immigrant laborers have spent years building homes, businesses and infrastructure while living with uncertainty.
Multiple Investigations Are Underway
Members of Congress have vowed not to remain silent as the case moves forward. Currently, four investigations are underway.
The FBI, DHS, the Texas Rangers and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are reviewing the shooting. Therefore, community advocates said those investigations must be thorough and transparent.
Because there is no video, witness accounts may play a key role. Family members and supporters said they want investigators to hear from the men who were inside the van.
As Magnolia Park residents continue to mourn, the central demand remains clear. The community wants truth, accountability and respect for the life of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.