There aren't many answers a month since Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's killing
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Flowers where Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
In the month since an ICE agent killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, his sons, elected officials and Houstonians have pushed for accountability, a transparent investigation and changes to ICE's operations — yet many questions remain.
The latest: On Thursday, the Harris County commissioners court unanimously approved $2.5 million over three years to support the county District Attorney's investigation, funding staff, overtime, legal counsel and software upgrades.
- The FBI and DHS also continue to investigate aspects of the shooting.
Catch up quick: Salgado Araujo was killed July 7 by an agent in an unmarked vehicle during an enforcement operation in Magnolia Park. He was not the target of the enforcement.
- The Department of Homeland Security says the agent acted in self-defense; witnesses dispute that claim.
Here's where things stand:
The witnesses' accounts have become central to the case. The three men in Salgado Araujo's work van have disputed ICE's claim that he tried to hit an agent with the vehicle.
- One witness has since been ordered released by a federal judge, while the other two remain in ICE custody after filing similar petitions for release.
Pressure on City Hall hasn't let up. Residents and advocates have repeatedly urged Mayor John Whitmire and City Council to reconsider Houston's cooperation with ICE.
The memorial where Salgado Araujo was killed has become a gathering place. Flowers, candles and handwritten notes continue to accumulate at the Canal Street site, where community members have held vigils and demonstrations in Salgado Araujo's memory.
- The Houston Public Library is working with his family to preserve some items before nearby construction begins.
Zoom out: ICE body cameras are being deployed nationwide, per DHS. The agents involved in the fatal shooting were not wearing body cameras.
- DHS tells Axios more than half of ICE field offices have received them, with the remaining offices expected to receive them in September.
- "ICE will ensure each arrest team has an individual wearing a body camera," saying it's a "top priority for DHS."