Congressman Greg Casar (D) and two fellow Texas Democrats are calling for an independent federal investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, demanding the release of body camera footage and protections for key witnesses involved in the case.
What are lawmakers requesting?
Rep. Casar, the lead Democrat on the House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, led a request for a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Casar was joined by Representatives Jasmine Crockett (D) and Christian Menefee (D) in sending letters to the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and to ICE.
The lawmakers requested:
- An independent investigation into the shooting.
- Public release of all available body-worn and dash camera footage.
- Preservation of all evidence related to the incident.
- Release of recorded communications among ICE officers involved in the operation.
- Protection for three witnesses who they say may be pressured to leave the country before investigators can interview them.
Concerns raised by lawmakers
According to the letters, the members expressed concern that:
- ICE Officers involved in the shooting have reportedly been transferred out of Houston.
- ICE is allegedly not fully cooperating with local law enforcement and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
- Three surviving witnesses could be pressured to self-deport before an investigation is completed.
The lawmakers identified the witnesses as:
- José Trinidad Rojas Pliego.
- Daniel Tirado Pantoja.
- Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, the victim's brother.
What the lawmakers are saying
The Letter stated: "The pattern of lies to cover up DHS misconduct is well-documented."
The Letter continued: "It is therefore critical that the Inspector General's investigation into Mr. Araujo's death be independent, transparent, and thorough."
The Bottom Line
Three Texas Democratic lawmakers are urging federal officials to conduct an independent investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, preserve all evidence, release video footage, and protect key witnesses while the investigation is underway.
