HOUSTON, TX, July 8, 2026: The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today denounced the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an early morning immigration enforcement operation in Houston on Tuesday, July 7th and is demanding an immediate, independent investigation into the actions of the ICE agents involved.
Salgado Araujo’s family and community members have raised serious questions about whether agents properly identified themselves and whether this tragedy could have been avoided altogether. According to his son Ronaldo Salgado, Mr. Salgado Araujo spent decades building a life in Houston, raising his three sons who became teachers and engineers while working to support his family through his construction business. They also state that he was pursuing legal work authorization and may have believed he was being followed by unidentified individuals rather than federal agents.
“This tragedy reflects the devastating consequences of militarized tactics that have brought fear into our neighborhoods and communities,” said Imran Ghani, Director of CAIR-Texas, Houston. “Muslim and Latino communities know what it means to be judged before being heard, to have our humanity questioned, and our families live in fear. Every human life is sacred, and our shared humanity demands that we stand together against injustice. America is at the cusp of becoming a police state.”
CAIR-TX joins LULAC, the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice, elected officials, faith leaders, and community organizations in demanding:
An independent investigation led by authorities outside of the agencies involved, including the Houston Police Department.
The immediate preservation and public release of all body-camera footage, surveillance video, dispatch communications, and operational records.
CAIR extends its heartfelt condolences to the Salgado Araujo family and all those mourning this profound loss. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to support the family, and mourners gathered Wednesday for a community vigil and protest.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.