Houston, Texas – AFT, Texas AFT, and HFT (Houston Federation of Teachers) abhor in the strongest terms the extrajudicial killing of Houston resident and father Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and is calling for an independent investigation into the tragedy, as well as an end to HPD’s collaboration with ICE.

“Every day, immigrants across the United States wake up and head to work to provide for their loved ones. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who lived in this country for 35 years, should be remembered as more than headline—his random killing at the hands of ICE is yet another reminder that the agency has no interest in treating people with the dignity, humanity, and respect they deserve,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said. “We honor Lorenzo by refusing to let his life be reduced to a moment of tragedy and by continuing to demand accountability, compassion, justice—and a full independent investigation.”

“Shock and outrage can’t possibly sum up how I’m feeling right now,” Texas AFT President Zeph Capo said after the shooting. “The crass and careless actions of our federal government are making our communities less safe. What we need right now is transparency and accountability and I join those calling for a full independent investigation into this killing.”

“All Houstonians deserve the right to peacefully exist,” HFT President Jackie Anderson said. “Our local leadership must put the safety of city residents above all else.”

Our city leaders have reduced violent crime in Houston. ICE poses a threat to that challenging work by the city government and our safety officers. The city of Houston and Harris County must do their duty to investigate this matter fully and independently to determine if deadly force was used unreasonably and, if so, prosecute appropriately.

The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.