On July 7, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was fatally shot by a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Houston’s East End.

On the day of the incident, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that ICE, “…attempted to conduct a vehicle stop as part of a targeted enforcement operation,” and that Salgado Araujo, “…rammed an ICE law enforcement vehicle.” According to DHS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the incident.

There are conflicting accounts between the DHS, the Salgado Araujo family, and the three men who were in the van at the time of the shooting—the witnesses are currently detained by ICE. None of the agents involved had a body camera, or have been named to the public.

Salgado Araujo’s sons, multiple civil rights groups, elected officials, and locals have called for an independent investigation into the shooting. Amigos de los Salgado, an advocate group formed after the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, posted a list of community events planned from June 16-19.

Out of these, I attended two—a benefit show and community protest.

Benefit Show at Texas Tailgate Sports Bar Patio

On July 18, Houston-based garage band, Day Trippin, organized a benefit show at Texas Tailgate. All funds raised would be proceeded to the Salgado Araujo family.

Collaborating in the effort, the bands Growing Minority, El Jumbotron, and Los Kalaveras played alongside Day Tripppin that afternoon. The No Cruzamos Collective and Space City Anarchists organizations were also in attendance, discussing political activism and providing zines.

The crowd shared similar sentiments, as many expressed the importance of community, support, and hope. One attendee stated that it was important to attend this specific venue for the family of Salgado Araujo, as it was the least they could do.

I had the opportunity to talk to several students in attendance. This is what they had to say:

“It’s the small things that matter, because together we can make a bigger impact. You don’t need to be perfect, you just have to try.”

Beetle, San Jacinto College Student

“No matter who you are or where you are, always show.”

MC, University of Houston Student

“Even through hate, community perseveres.”

Kami, Houston Community College Student

“See something, say something. Don’t be a bystander.”

Bella, High School Student

On July 19, community members gathered at Ervan Chew Park to demand justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The protest was organized by We the Lucha and Immigrating Youth Texas, and received support from over 30 community organizations.

The protest called for transparency and accountability for the killing of Salgado Araujo, an end to collaboration between Houston Police Department (HPD) and ICE, and protections for immigrants.

Immigrating Youth Texas shared on Instagram, “Together, we remember Lorenzo. Together, we demand justice. Together, we show Houston the power of community.”

Notable figures were in attendance, such as two of Salgado Araujo’s sons and Congressman Al Green.

Due to the extreme heat and humidity, the protestors did not march their original route to Sam Houston Monument in Hermann Park. Instead, hundreds gathered on Dunlavy Street bridge that overlooks Highway 59.

Despite the weather, protestors marched on to the Highway 59 bridge while honking cars could be heard below.

Chants such as, “El pueblo unido, jamás será vencido” (The people united will never be defeated), “Chinga la Migra” (Fuck ICE), and “ICE out of Houston” could be heard echoed on the bridge.

Organizers encouraged those gathered to remain engaged and continue to pressure officials after Lorenzo Salgado’s death.