The son of a Mexican man shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during a traffic stop in Houston has said his father 'dedicated his life to the American dream.'
Fatal Traffic Stop
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, described as a hard worker and family man, was driving a car on Tuesday evening when ICE officers attempted to stop him. According to ICE, Araujo, who is allegedly undocumented, did not follow commands and attempted to 'weaponise his vehicle' and run over an officer. The agency said officers fired in self-defence.
His son, Ronaldo Salgado, disputed this account. 'He did not deserve to die. He did not deserve to be reduced to a headline of Mexican man shot and killed by ICE,' he said. 'He dedicated his life in the United States to giving his family the American dream. He raised my brothers and me on the idea of education taking us so far in life. I am deeply heartbroken to see that the man who taught me the value of hard work, family values, and education will no longer spend an evening on his porch.'
ICE Account
Homeland Security released a statement saying: 'The driver of the vehicle, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo — an illegal alien from Mexico — attempted to evade arrest. From information we are receiving, he rammed an ICE law enforcement vehicle, refused to follow multiple verbal commands, and weaponised his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer resulting in our officer firing his weapon in self-defence. The driver was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted. The driver was transported to the hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.'
An investigation into the shooting has been launched, led by Homeland Security.
Context and Backlash
ICE made headlines earlier this year after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renée Good in Minneapolis, which sparked fierce backlash and further protests against the immigration agency. ICE has been ramping up operations under Donald Trump's administration, targeting major cities as part of mass deportations, which has led to fear and concern among immigrant communities.
Houston, the biggest city in Texas, is home to around 6.5 million people. Around 28% are white, 24% Hispanic, 22% Asian and 21% Black, according to official census figures.
