Texas Democrats seek independent probe of ICE shooting in Houston

The Texas Democratic Party called for an independent and transparent investigation into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot a man during a traffic stop in Houston. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican man, died Tuesday after officials said he rammed his vehicle into the ICE officer.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Araujo refused commands during the stop and then used the vehicle as a weapon.

General is conducting its own review of the shooting. Texas Democrats said they do not believe the Trump administration will investigate the matter fairly. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) and Araujo’s family repeated the call for an independent investigation at a Wednesday press conference. Garcia posted on X that the facts and evidence must not be buried.

Statements from family and party Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said no one is defending violent criminals and officers should protect themselves from genuine threats. He added that the public cannot be asked to accept an official version of events without transparency.

Araujo’s adult son, Ronaldo Salgado, told reporters his father did not deserve to die and should not be reduced to a headline. He said three coworkers, including his uncle, were arrested by ICE and that the family has not heard from them. DHS said Araujo was taken to a hospital and died from gunshot wounds to the abdomen.

The FBI’s Houston field office is investigating the incident as a possible assault on a federal officer. The Houston Police Department is not involved.