Man shot, killed by ICE officer in East Houston

Well, authorities say an ICE agent shot and killed an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who allegedly tried to run him over during a traffic stop in Houston. Tonight, multiple agencies are investigating this incident. Now, the shooting happened this morning in Houston's East End, specifically along Canal Street near Wayside Drive. And that's where we find Fox 26 is Jillian Hartman also cares Belger. But first, let's send it over to Jillian, who just learned some new details about the man killed. That's right. So on scene here, Lulac tells me that the man was on his way to work with his construction crew when the shooting occurred, and they tell me that his family is heartbroken and just in shock over what happened. So here's what we know. We do have some video of the scene. Why don't you take a look at this? So according to U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE agents were attempting a traffic stop as part of a targeted enforcement operation to arrest an undocumented immigrant. The shooting happened just before seven a.m. Along Canal Street here near Wayside Drive in the East End of Houston. Now, the driver of the vehicle they were trying to pull over was Lorenzo Salgado Arauzo, a Mexican national who was in the U. S. Illegally, according to ice. Now, authorities say during the attempted arrest, Lorenzo tried to get away, and according to ice officials, he rammed an ice law enforcement vehicle, refused to follow multiple verbal commands and weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ice officer. Officials say the officer then fired his weapon in self defense. Lorenzo was hit, and emergency services were immediately contacted. He was transported to the hospital where he passed away from his injuries. The Houston Fire Department tells me Lorenzo suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach area. Now some local leaders have shared the reaction It's deeply concerning to see this action occurring in our city. You know, we hear we've read and seen these things happening elsewhere, but to see it happen in our own backyard is deeply concerning. And I think the most important thing we can do as Houstonians right now is remain calm. And, of course, could demand a thorough and proper investigation and demand that if there is any footage or additional information about what occurred, that it be released so the public can take account and evaluate for themselves what occurred. But any use of deadly force is deeply concerning, particularly in an immigration enforcement scenario. And Houstonians deserve the facts to understand what happened to one of their own. Like you said, multiple agencies are investigating. So right now, the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Inspector General are leading the investigation in the agent involved shooting, and the FBI is investigating the potential assault on a federal law enforcement officer. We also learned today that the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice is holding a news conference tomorrow to address this incident, and also they said they were seeking answers. Now I'm gonna send things over to my colleague Karis, who has more on the local reaction. Karis. Thank you for that, Jillian. As investigators are working to determine what exactly happened, members of Houston's immigration, immigrant community and also local advocates are calling for answers and also a transparent investigation into what exactly happened. Organizers that work closely with Houston's immigrant community say they're hearing from families who are shaken by by today's deadly shooting, and also they are wondering what exactly is next for their community. They are. They say the incident has sparked fear and uncertainty as many people wait to learn more about what led to the encounter. We've heard from local elected officials as well. Harris County Attorney Abby came and also weighed in. She said, in part, there must be a complete and transparent investigation, and my office stands ready to support our community and any local investigation into how this tragedy unfolded. And we also spoke with Caesar Espinosa from Fiel. He is calling for similar action as well, specifically because he says this community has is shaken now by what has exactly taken place. The main thing we are asking for is for an independent investigation into what happened because we cannot even trust the FBI. The FBI is under control of the administration, and we cannot trust them in really holding a non arbitrary investigation into events unfolded this morning. So we want a full investigation. We want an independent investigation. And at the end of the day, we want people who are responsible for the murder of Mr Lorenzo to be held accountable. And community leaders say getting answers is essential not just for Lorenzo's family, but for other people who live here who called this community home. And as Julian mentioned, we do anticipate hearing from more local advocates, but also Lorenzo's family, including his son tomorrow at a press conference in the morning. I'm Karis Belger for Fox 26 News. Rashi and I know you spoke with Lulac saying that they want a transparent, independent investigation. The protesters out there. Was there anything specific that they were asking for or what message that they wanted to get across? They are calling for very similar things. It's really about transparency and some of the videos we're seeing there were unmarked vehicles involved. They're saying, How can we be sure that law enforcement is acting in their interests if we can't even identify them when they are in the streets? They also want to make sure that there is due process. Even if someone is undocumented and they're being taken into custody, they want to make sure that those people are being taken through the proper channels with whatever their cases may be. A statement that came out earlier from Lorenzo's son said that his father was seeking legal status. So one of the things they are hoping to push for is more transparency with that process and opportunities for people to be able to advocate for themselves. And of course, go through all of the channels that they should be able to in accordance with the law rushing. All right, Karis, thank you for that live report there. Well, we do know that Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, who represents Houston's Magnolia Park neighborhood, is calling for an independent investigation. In a statement, Garcia said that while ice has released an initial account, the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force must be thoroughly reviewed. She says all evidence should be preserved and that the family, the victim's family and the community deserve a full and transparent accounting of what happened. State Representative Christina Morales is also demanding answers, saying, in part, this is not what immigration enforcement should look like. This incident took place just a handful of miles from the FIFA World Cup Fan Fest. Immigration enforcement should never put our communities in danger. People are afraid, and we demand answers and accountability. Morales also urged Congress to pass immigration reform that creates a pathway to legal status.