When immigration enforcement results in the loss of life, the public is owed clear answers about both reasons and events. Families affected also deserve the truth.
Los Angeles – The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), one of the largest immigrant rights advocacy organizations in the country, denounced the shooting and death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a father, son, and Texan, at the hands of ICE on Tuesday.
Please attribute the following comments to Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA):
“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, father, son, Texan, and human being, was killed during an ICE operation in Houston, Texas. Every person, regardless of where they were born or their immigration status, has inherent dignity and the right to be treated with humanity and respect.
The death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, result of an immigration enforcement operation, is a heartbreaking tragedy that demands immediate response with transparency, accountability, and an independent investigation from officials.
We call for a full, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's death and for all findings, including body camera footage and other relevant evidence, to be made public. Accountability is not optional—it is essential to maintaining public trust and protecting human rights.
When immigration enforcement results in the loss of life, the public is owed clear answers about both reasons and events. Families affected also deserve the truth.
In the last 12 months, Congress has given ICE and CBP $240 billion for immigration enforcement, deportation, and detention activities. All of that money had no accountability or oversight attached, and we pushed back against this ridiculous amount of money to ICE and CBP. Immigration enforcement should never result in the loss of life.
Communities deserve to know how their tax dollars are being used and must feel confidence that those entrusted with enforcing the law are held to the highest standards of accountability.
Families should not have to fear that a loved one will not return home because of an immigration enforcement operation, much less due to loss of life. We mourn Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, we stand with his family and loved ones, and we reaffirm our commitment to building an immigration system rooted in dignity, justice, transparency, and respect for every person's humanity.”