In a response to the shooting of a Mexican national by a federal immigration agent in Houston, Governor Greg Abbott criticized the incident on Wednesday. He stated, “We don’t want to see people shot. Period.” Abbott, a Republican, is known for supporting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. He has criticized the previous administration for a surge in illegal border crossings.
Texas has taken steps to enforce immigration laws independently. Despite supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Texas, Abbott remained silent about the July 7 shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo until now. This incident has sparked widespread criticism. Abbott announced that the Texas Rangers would conduct an independent investigation into Salgado Araujo’s death.
When asked if the shooting changed his support for Trump’s policies, Abbott emphasized that enforcing immigration laws should not involve shooting individuals. “I fully expect our immigration laws to be enforced, but it’s proven that immigration laws can be enforced, and stopping illegal immigration… can be achieved, without shooting people,” he said.
Abbott’s comments followed another fatal incident involving ICE in Biddeford, Maine, where Colombian Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero was shot. Calls for addressing ICE officer conduct are increasing. An ICE representative stated that the incident would undergo investigation.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo Shooting: What Happened
Salgado Araujo was heading to work in a van with three other men in Houston on July 7 when ICE agents stopped him. Video evidence shows a pursuit before the van turned around, and agents followed on foot.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Salgado Araujo attempted to evade arrest, allegedly rammed an ICE vehicle, ignored verbal commands, and used his van to threaten an agent, prompting shots fired in self-defense. Agents involved weren’t wearing body cameras, so surveillance from nearby businesses captured the event.
Salgado Araujo, a 35-year U.S. resident, was not the operation’s target. His son, Ronaldo Salgado, shared with media that his father fulfilled the American dream, building a home for his family. He described his father as a hardworking man with strong family values.
Authorities in Houston have committed to investigating the shooting. Abbott confirmed that the Texas Rangers would lead an independent review.
Abbott’s Support for Trump’s Policies
Abbott has been a staunch supporter of Trump’s immigration policies, prominently advocating for border security. His initiatives include Operation Lone Star, which deploys law enforcement and constructs border barriers. Abbott has worked closely with Trump’s deportation agenda.
Prior to his recent comments on the Salgado Araujo shooting, Abbott and top Republican leaders did not publicly address the incident, even as calls for independent investigations rose. “Any loss of life is tragic,” Abbott stated, reinforcing the need for an independent review of deadly force instances while maintaining immigration law enforcement.
The Houston Police Department will assist federal officials in their investigation where necessary. Details about the agents involved in the incident remain undisclosed.