[Excerpt from Houston Chronicle Op-Ed by TMO leaders Bishop John Ogletree, Jr. and Rabbi David Lyon]
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo left home Tuesday before dawn to spend another day building homes for future Houstonians. Instead, during what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement described as a “targeted enforcement action” on Houston’s east side, the 35-year Houston resident and small business owner was killed.
We are Houston faith leaders, and our congregations belong to The Metropolitan Organization, a nonpartisan group that seeks the justice that so many of our faith traditions demand. We mourn Salgado’s death. And we demand an independent investigation into the enforcement strategy that led to it.
In Houston, we are blessed to live in one of the most culturally, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse cities in the United States. We are all either immigrants or personally connected to someone who is. The inherent dignity and rights that everyone in this country has should not be minimized or ignored because of their immigration status.
That’s why all Houstonians need to ask themselves: How is ICE’s current “targeted enforcement action” strategy keeping anyone safe?
[Photo credit: Raquel Natalicchio, Houston Chronice]
We're Houston Faith Leaders. Investigating Salgado's Death Isn't Enough. Investigate ICE's 'Targeted' Strategy, Houston Chronice [pdf]