Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated the city cannot investigate the fatal ICE shooting in Magnolia Park because the Houston Police Department was not involved and lacks jurisdiction.

HOUSTON - Houston Mayor John Whitmire says the city is not in a position to launch its own investigation into a deadly shooting tied to an ICE operation because the Houston Police Department was not involved and the city has no jurisdiction over the incident.

 We are calling for our federal partners to conduct a transparent investigation,  Whitmire said.  If I have any updates I will let council know. 


The jurisdiction question was front and center at Wednesday's City Council meeting, where several council members began by offering condolences to the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot and killed on Tuesday during an ICE operation in Houston's Magnolia Park neighborhood.

In a statement, Whitmire said:

I have been clear, including in my remarks before City Council, that I support the families' and the community's call for a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation into the shooting of Mr. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. I believe this effort should be coordinated with our local and federal partners, including Texas' two United States Senators, to ensure the investigation has the full authority and access necessary to establish the facts. This is a tragedy. A life was lost, and my thoughts remain with the individual's family and loved ones as they endure an unimaginable loss. Our community feels the weight of that loss as well. The City of Houston does not control federal immigration policy, nor does it have jurisdiction over federal law enforcement officers. A local inquiry cannot supersede a federal investigation, and the City does not have access to the evidence, witnesses, or investigative authorities needed to conduct a complete review of federal actions. Houston Mayor John Whitmire

About five council members-including Edward Pollard, Alejandra Salinas and Julian Ramirez-called for more information and transparency.

Council Member Pollard urged the mayor to call on loc

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