Witness in fatal Houston ICE shooting released from detention, demands justice at memorial
ICE released Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego today after a Clinton-appointed judge ordered it yesterday.@ICEgov why did you comply when the DOJ had an active motion to stay?
— Kim "Katie" USA (@KimKatieUSA) July 30, 2026
Where is the fight against these activist judges? pic.twitter.com/V6p8ijpQHV
WASHINGTON, DC: A key witness in the fatal shooting of a Houston construction worker by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been released from immigration detention after spending weeks in custody.
Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, who was in the work van when Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally shot on July 7, walked free on Wednesday, July 29, after a federal judge ordered his release and barred the government from deporting him while his case proceeds.
Federal prosecutors have since asked an appeals court to halt the release, arguing the ruling conflicts with other immigration cases.
Witness disputes ICE account
Rojas Pliego has challenged the Trump administration's version of events, accusing officials of misrepresenting what happened during the encounter.
The Department of Homeland Security said Salgado Araujo attempted to run over an ICE officer with his vehicle, prompting the agent to open fire in self-defense.
However, Rojas Pliego and another passenger said in court filings that officers were positioned alongside the van—not in its path—when the shooting occurred.
Rojas Pliego visits roadside memorial
Wearing an ankle monitor, Rojas Pliego visited a roadside memorial honoring Salgado Araujo shortly after his release.
Speaking in Spanish, he recalled that the group had been heading to work when federal agents stopped them. "We were on our way to work when they took Lorenzo Salgado's life," he said, adding that officers handcuffed his boss instead of immediately providing medical aid. "I want justice for Lorenzo Salgado."
Death fuels scrutiny of ICE operations
Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old father of three, had lived in the United States for 35 years, and was reportedly close to obtaining legal status. His family said he had no criminal record.
His death is among at least 10 fatalities linked to immigration enforcement operations since President Donald Trump launched his mass deportation campaign, prompting protests in Houston and renewed calls for an independent investigation.
At the memorial, Rojas Pliego played one of Salgado Araujo's favorite songs and paid an emotional tribute to the man he described as a "good boss."
"I couldn't be at your funeral," he said. "But I'm here now."
