The sons of a Houston man killed during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation say the release of their uncle, a key eyewitness, has brought some relief as the investigation into his death moves towards a grand jury.
Victor Salgado Araujo was freed from federal immigration custody on 30 August, more than 50 days after his brother Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot during an encounter with agents in Houston’s East End.
Victor was sitting in the passenger seat of Lorenzo’s white work van when the shooting took place. His nephews, Ronaldo Salgado and Lorenzo Salgado Jr, said he had become a central figure in the family long before he witnessed their father’s death.
“He was very much like he’s our oldest brother,” Lorenzo Jr said, recalling how Victor had lived with the family while the brothers were growing up.
Houston ICE shooting witness released
Ronaldo said his uncle was struggling to sleep and eat after witnessing Lorenzo being shot beside him, followed by weeks in immigration detention.
“He saw his own brother killed right next to him, right in front of him,” Ronaldo said. “So, add 54 days in detention without having the freedom to grieve as openly as he wanted to … it took a toll.”
Victor’s release means all three surviving passengers in the van are now outside federal custody. Daniel Tirado Pantoja was released on 26 August, while Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego was freed on 29 July.
His lawyer said Victor’s release followed several legal petitions, including a federal lawsuit challenging his detention. The government also indicated it was likely to approve an application for temporary legal status because he is a witness to a potential crime. ([texastribune.org](https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/30/victor-salgado-lorenzo-araujo-witness-houston-brother-ice-shooting/))
Ronaldo said Victor had begun describing what he remembered from 7 July in considerable detail, although recounting the incident had at times left him in tears.
“He remembers every detail, and it’s extremely upsetting for us to hear,” Ronaldo said, “but it’s something that needs to be heard.”
The three men were travelling to work when federal agents began following the van. Federal authorities have said an agent opened fire after the vehicle struck an ICE car, describing the shooting as an act of self-defence.
The surviving passengers have disputed that account. Federal records cited in earlier reporting said the agents had been looking for a different white van and that Lorenzo was not the intended target.
The US attorney for the Southern District of Texas said the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and state and local partners were investigating, while stressing that officials had not reached final conclusions. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/us-attorney-reitz-statement-shooting-and-death-lorenzo-salgado))
Grand jury could examine fatal ICE encounter
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare has said prosecutors intend to present the case to a grand jury in the coming weeks. His office has gathered much of the physical and digital evidence and believes it knows the identities of the four agents involved, but has declined to name them publicly.
Teare said federal agencies had not provided his office with all the information it requested. He has indicated that grand jury powers could help prosecutors obtain further evidence and sworn testimony, although a presentation would not necessarily mean that an indictment was imminent. ([texastribune.org](https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/28/texas-houston-ice-shooting-district-attorney-teare-grand-jury/))
The Texas Rangers are also investigating the shooting. Teare has warned that the process could take months or years, particularly if charges are eventually brought and a criminal case follows.
For Lorenzo’s sons, the investigation is unfolding alongside a period of profound personal loss. Ronaldo said he did not expect ever to feel fully recovered, but remained determined to pursue justice for his father.
Lorenzo Jr said he had been receiving mental health support twice a week as he adjusted to life without the man who had worked hard and encouraged his sons to pursue education.
“He wasn’t a bad person. He didn’t deserve what happened to him that morning,” he said. “And he was just going to work like so many others.”
The brothers said they wanted their father to be remembered for his life, not only for the circumstances of his death, as the family continues to seek what Ronaldo described as a full and transparent account of the shooting.
