Senators demand reform of ICE after the deaths of Lorenzo Salgado and Joan Durán
A large group of legislators call for more controls on officers, mandatory use of body cameras and greater transparency
Nearly 40 United States senators asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for a series of changes in the operation of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE), following the recent cases in which immigrants Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, of Mexican origin, and Joan Durán, of Colombian nationality, died during operations in which federal agents participated.
The request was reflected in a letter headed by the independent senator for Maine, Angus King, and supported by Democratic legislators, who consider it necessary to strengthen the supervision of agents and improve transparency in immigration operations.
Senators call for body cameras and greater accountability
Among the main requests is the mandatory implementation of body cameras for ICE agents, as well as more visible identification during operations and the publication of more detailed information when officers use force.
The legislators also requested a review of the agency's action protocols, considering that current supervision mechanisms must be strengthened.
The petition arises after the Mexican Lorenzo Salgado Araujo died after a traffic operation in Texas, while the Colombian Joan Durán died after a similar incident in Maine, both with the participation of ICE agents.
Additionally, on July 14, another immigrant, whose identity has not been revealed, lost his life in Florida after being hit by a truck during another traffic stop related to immigration authorities.
Deaths increase pressure on ICE
The new cases add to the controversy that ICE faced in early 2026 due to the death of two US citizens during immigration operations in Minneapolis, events that sparked protests and an intense political debate about the methods used by the agency.
As a result of this pressure, Democratic legislators blocked budget items destined for DHS, which led to a partial closure of the agency and changes within its command structure, including the departure of then-Secretary Kristi Noem.
In the letter sent to DHS, the senators maintain that greater oversight would help strengthen public trust and ensure greater accountability in immigration operations.