In Houston, María Guadalupe García wandered among the graves at Forest Park Lawndale, a funeral complex in the city’s East End neighborhood. She came to say goodbye to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant and father of three, who was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a Texas traffic stop.
García expressed disbelief at his death, stating, “We always greeted each other, he would ask about my family, and he was a hard-working man.” She described Salgado Araujo as a community member who contributed by raising his children and creating jobs.
A resident, choosing to remain anonymous due to immigration status, reflected, “We all end up here, buried, but Lorenzo had a lot of life ahead of him.”
Hundreds attended Salgado Araujo’s public wake on Thursday, many clad in blue at the family’s request to honor him. Several nongovernmental organizations provided support during the ceremony. A significant police presence ensured order, as family privacy was prioritized by prohibiting cameras and phones.
Edgar Morales, a University of Houston student, voiced his concerns on a condolence card, “We will always remember you and demand an investigation into your death. We are Hispanic, and now we are afraid that any of us could be killed.”
Remembering a Life
Inside the grand chapel, the sounds of ranchera and Mexican music filled the air, with “Amor Eterno” by Juan Gabriel resonating throughout the gathering. Memorabilia such as a white safety helmet, a toolbox, and jerseys of the Mexican national soccer team highlighted Salgado Araujo’s life.
His son, Ronaldo Salgado, expressed gratitude in a Facebook post for the unprecedented support from the community. Both Ronaldo and his brother, Lorenzo, stood beside their father’s open coffin, greeting visitors.
César Espinosa, executive director of FIEL, remarked on the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the necessity for awareness of the realities faced by immigrant communities. Over 30 organizations are calling for a march in Houston to keep Salgado Araujo’s memory alive.
The 52-year-old construction worker and crew leader was in a van with others when ICE agents attempted to arrest him. The Department of Homeland Security claimed that Salgado Araujo was not the intended target and alleged he attempted to run over agents. They stated the shooting was in self-defense, but have yet to provide evidence.
Van Search and Controversy
The FBI pursued a search warrant for the van, suspecting drugs after seeing small bags with a white substance. The family’s lawyer insisted it was salt, used by workers to combat heat with lemon and water. The FBI has not confirmed whether items seized tested positive for illegal drugs.
Attorney Ruby L. Powers argued, “A search warrant does not equal guilt. An unidentified substance is not a confirmed narcotic.”
Powers requested immediate analysis to clear names and sought the release of Salgado Araujo’s brother, who remains in custody. The U.S. attorney’s statement reported finding crystal-like substances in the van, leading to the execution of a search warrant concerning drug offenses.
Criticism arose regarding the FBI’s actions, as Houston’s chief prosecutor and representatives of Salgado Araujo’s family doubted drug presence, asserting the search did not alter the circumstances of his death.
With a 35-year history in the U.S. and no criminal record, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s shooting has attracted attention from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. He announced that the state’s primary law enforcement unit would investigate the incident further.
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