Two migrants killed by ICE gunfire amid increased detentions

The deaths of two Latin American migrants, shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in less than a week, have reignited scrutiny over the use of force during US immigration operations, which have intensified under White House orders.

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican national, died on July 7 in Houston, Texas. Six days later, Colombian national Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, 26, died in Biddeford, Maine. In both cases, the deceased were driving when ICE agents attempted to stop their vehicles, resulting in the fatal shootings.

“

Salgado was not the target of the operation in Houston.

ICE has accused Durán of attempting to flee and Salgado of endangering agents' lives. However, according to legislators who received information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), neither man was the target of the agents' operation. Democratic congresswoman Sylvia Garcia stated that the acting ICE director confirmed Salgado was not the intended subject of the Houston operation. Similarly, Senator Angus King was informed by the Secretary of Homeland Security that agents were not looking for Durán in Maine.

“

agents were not looking for Durán.

ICE justified the use of force in both instances, claiming the drivers presented a danger. The agency stated that Durán attempted to flee during a traffic stop, and an agent, fearing for public safety, fired at him. In Houston, ICE asserted that Salgado collided with an official vehicle, disobeyed orders, and attempted to run over an agent with his truck, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense. This account has been challenged by three witnesses, who claim Salgado did not attempt to run over any agents and that the shots entered the sides of the truck, according to their lawyer, Hugo Balderas.

Salgado had lived in the United States for 35 years, worked in construction, and was in the process of regularizing his immigration status. He was a father of three and was heading to work with his brother and two colleagues when agents intercepted the vehicle. Durán, originally from Bucaramanga, lived in Maine with his wife and three-year-old daughter and had work authorization in the United States. He worked at a veterinary clinic in the mornings and made deliveries in the afternoons, according to his father.

“

Salgado did not attempt to run over any agents and that the shots entered the sides of the truck.