Children of Lorenzo Salgado ask for justice and seek to prevent other migrant families from suffering their tragedy
The family of the Mexican who died during an ICE operation requested an independent investigation and changes that guarantee transparency
The children of Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado, shot by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE), demanded this Friday from members of the United States Congress justice for the death of their father, which they described as “unnecessary and violent.”
The request was made during a public hearing held in Houston (Texas), organized by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and the House Homeland Security Committee, both led by Democrats, to analyze federal immigration control actions that have left at least three dead during July.
Lorenzo Salgado died after an ICE agent shot him on his way to work as a builder on July 7, in a predominantly Latino neighborhood of Houston.
“How many more of our parents have to die? How many more children have to wait for answers? How many wives have to suffer for the death of their partner?” said Ronaldo Salgado, the victim's son, before the congressmen.
The hearing was led by Congresswoman Sylvia García, Representative Bennie Thompson and CHC President Adriano Espaillat.
The family asked legislators to act so that the death of the 52-year-old Mexican immigrant, who lived more than 30 years in the United States, does not go unpunished.
“This is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of right and wrong,” Ronaldo Salgado insisted.
They ask for changes in ICE
The family members requested an independent investigation, with federal cooperation and access to all evidence, noting that the officers involved were not wearing body cameras.
They also requested the release of Daniel Tirado Pantoja, José Trinidad Rojas Pliego and Víctor Hugo Salgado, brother of the victim, who were traveling with Lorenzo and remain in immigration custody.
“Deporting them and not guaranteeing their safety is a cover-up,” said Ronaldo Salgado. The family also asked to promote laws that would clarify these types of cases and prevent new deaths of immigrants during immigration operations.
Congress demands answers
Congresswoman Sylvia García stated that the hearing seeks to begin a process of accountability and transparency.
He explained that Democratic legislators sent six letters, supported by 180 signatures, to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE to request information about shootings and immigration operations, but so far they have not received a response.
The legislator added that representatives of both agencies were invited to the hearing, although they did not attend.