The news of Lorenzo Salgado’s death at the hands of ICE agents, who shot him during an operation they themselves said he was not the target of, but two days after his death.
Since that day many lives have changed, mainly for his family who, according to the testimonies they have given, did not realize the incident until it appeared on social media; likewise they did not receive official information about the incident, while they desperately searched for answers about what happened.
As the weeks have passed, much has come to light, but at the same time nothing about what occurred on that morning of July 7 has been clarified.
The community has consistently risen in protest over this incident, which they consider unjust and an abuse of power by federal agents. From day one the streets have been the scene of the discontent of the Hispanic community.
In these demonstrations, which we must emphasize have been peaceful, people have demanded justice for the death and an investigation that reveals what really happened in those moments.
Precisely, that demand has been heard in Harris County; there, the Commissioners Court voted in favor of a fund of more than $2 million for the county prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation into Salgado’s death.
This decision pleased many; finally there is something that has given the family of the deceased hope to find answers to their questions and to know how things truly happened.
There is also discontent in a sector of the community that seeks more attention to other crimes that occurred in the area where Salgado died. They claim that it is a lot of money for a single investigation.
Two of the eyewitnesses who were traveling with Salgado in the vehicle remain detained, and one of them has been released. It should be noted that their account of the events does not match the one given by federal authorities, raising doubt and creating distrust, urging the independent investigation that will now be conducted in the county.
The city of Houston has also reacted and, after the local authorities refused to conduct an investigation led by the Houston Police Department, claiming they had no jurisdiction over the case. Under public pressure, Mayor Jon Whitmire said that the police will provide support as needed with the work of other agencies, but will carry out their own.
Salgado’s image is well known in Houston and even nationwide as a symbol in the fight against the federal government’s immigration actions and the way this issue has been confronted.
Just the day the month mark arrived, the community gathered again at the scene to continue demanding justice for the death they consider unjust and to ensure that this does not happen again to another person on the streets of Houston or anywhere else in the country.
While the family tries to cope with the tragedy, the community seeks that justice be done and that the truth be known.
What do you think?
