The family of a Mexican immigrant fatally shot by a federal immigration agent in Texas is demanding an independent investigation, citing a lack of transparency and trust in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, was killed Tuesday morning while driving to a construction job in Houston, according to the League of United Latin American Citizens (Lulac). His son, Ronaldo Salgado, stated at a press conference, “He did not deserve to die.” Salgado had lived in the U.S. for over 30 years and was in the process of obtaining a work permit. His family learned of his death from news reports, not from ICE or local officials.

The DHS claimed Salgado “weaponized his vehicle” to run over an ICE officer, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense. However, civil rights groups and elected officials, including Rep. Sylvia Garcia, are skeptical, noting the DHS’s history of false statements - like the January fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, where video later contradicted the “weaponized vehicle” claim. Roman Palomares, Lulac’s national president, said, “We do not believe you, you have not earned that trust.”

Three co-workers in Salgado’s van were arrested by ICE, including Ronaldo’s uncle, and remain unheard from. The family has launched a GoFundMe for legal and funeral expenses. The FBI and DHS inspector general are investigating, but local officials are calling for an independent probe. Houston Mayor John Whitmire stopped short of launching one, citing jurisdictional limits, but insisted on a “transparent, independent investigation” by federal authorities.

Federal immigration officials have been involved in at least 23 shootings since January 2025, including the deaths of Alex Pretti and Ruben Ray Martinez - a U.S. citizen whose death was hidden for nearly a year. In a separate Minneapolis case, an ICE officer was charged with assault for falsely claiming self-defense after video contradicted his story. Local Minnesota authorities say the FBI has refused to share evidence in multiple cases, fueling further distrust.