Democrats to meet with witnesses in death of Mexican Lorenzo Salgado at hands of ICE; 'the world must see what happened'

Members of the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus announced they will travel to Houston, Texas, on July 24 to meet with witnesses of the fatal shooting of Mexican migrant Lorenzo Salgado by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The lawmakers described the incident as an "assassination" and vowed to demand answers.

Adriano Espaillat, the Democratic congressman from New York and leader of the caucus, stated that the group will attend a hearing held by the House Committee on Homeland Security to review evidence and question officials. Espaillat expressed concern that the death of Salgado is not receiving adequate attention compared to other cases, criticizing what he called the "violent behavior of ICE that continues to kill people on the street."

Espaillat also noted that ICE's conduct has not improved despite persistent denunciations from Democrats, particularly since federal agents fatally shot two protesters during large-scale immigration raids earlier in the year. Texas Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, who is actively involved in Salgado's case, emphasized the need for an investigation to uncover the truth, stating, "The world must see what happened and how ICE operates needs to change."

Garcia further pointed out that Salgado, 52, had no criminal record and was reportedly on his way to work when ICE agents intercepted the vehicle he was driving with his brother and two colleagues. Crucially, no federal agents were wearing body cameras at the time of the incident. The family deserves justice, and ICE is not telling the truth, Garcia asserted, calling for an independent investigation and pledging continued support until justice is served.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, maintains that agents attempted to stop Salgado's vehicle as part of an operation to apprehend an undocumented migrant. According to the department's account, Salgado "ignored instructions," crashed his truck into an official vehicle, and attempted to run over an agent, prompting the use of deadly force in "self-defense." However, witnesses and reports suggest a different narrative.