ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Mexican Immigrant in Texas
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo had lived in the United States for more than 30 years. On Tuesday morning, he was on his way to work at a construction site in Texas — and never made it. An ICE agent shot and killed him, and his family learned about his death from news reports.
What happened
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Texas on Tuesday morning. He was heading to his job at a construction site when the shooting occurred. His family says he had lived in the US for more than 30 years and was in the process of obtaining a work permit (also called an EAD, or Employment Authorization Document).
Salgado's wife and three sons found out about his death not from authorities — but from news reports. His son, Ronaldo Salgado, has publicly called for an independent investigation into the killing. The family says he did not deserve to die.
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Why this matters for immigrants
This case raises serious concerns for immigrants across the country — especially those who are in the process of applying for legal status or a work permit. Being in the middle of an immigration application does not automatically protect someone from an ICE encounter. Knowing your rights during any interaction with federal agents is critical.
What to do
- If you or a family member is approached by ICE, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
- Carry a know-your-rights card at all times. Many nonprofit immigration organizations offer these for free.
- If you have a pending work permit (EAD) or any immigration application, keep copies of all documents with a trusted family member or friend.
- If something happens to you during an ICE encounter, your family should contact an immigration lawyer immediately and document everything — including how they were notified.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Bond Hearing: How to Get Released”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
A pending work permit or immigration application does not grant immunity from ICE enforcement actions, but it is a legally relevant fact that should be documented and presented immediately if an encounter occurs. If a family member is harmed or killed during an immigration enforcement action, they have the right to request all records related to the incident under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to file a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General. Families in this situation should consult an immigration or civil rights attorney as soon as possible to understand their legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having a pending work permit application protect me from ICE?
Not automatically. A pending application shows you are trying to get legal status, but it does not stop ICE from approaching or detaining you. Always carry proof of your pending case and know your rights.
What rights do I have if ICE stops me?
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the US. You can say: 'I am exercising my right to remain silent.' Do not run, and do not physically resist.
What should my family do if something happens to me during an ICE encounter?
They should contact an immigration or civil rights lawyer immediately. They can also file a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General and request records about the incident through a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request.
How can I prepare my family in case of an emergency ICE encounter?
Make sure a trusted person has copies of all your immigration documents, knows your lawyer's contact information, and has a plan for your children if you are detained. Many nonprofit organizations offer free emergency planning guides for immigrant families.