In a decision marking a significant turn for the Latino community in Texas, a federal judge on Monday ordered the immediate release of José Trinidad Rojas Pliego. Rojas Pliego is the key witness in the tragic case of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican construction worker who died after being shot by an ICE agent on July 7 in Houston.
Here, we explain in simple terms what this order means and why it is a victory for immigrant rights.
Who is the witness and why was he detained?
José Trinidad Rojas Pliego was traveling as a passenger in Salgado Araujo’s truck when the shooting occurred. Although he has no criminal record and has lived in the United States since 1998, immigration authorities were holding him in custody.
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison determined that keeping him locked up violated his due process rights, protected by the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. According to the order, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has 48 hours to release him.
The two versions of the tragedy
The release of Rojas Pliego is crucial because his testimony contradicts the government’s official version:
- ICE’s version: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Salgado Araujo attempted to run over an officer with his vehicle and that the agent fired in self-defense.
- Witnesses’ version: Rojas Pliego and another passenger assert that agents were never in front of or behind the truck, but on the sides, making it impossible for [Salgado Araujo] to attempt to run them over. Rojas Pliego labeled the official version “a lie.”
Protection for the witness and his family
Rojas Pliego will not only regain his freedom but also has additional legal protections:
- Pending U Visa: He has a pending application for a U Visa, a special permit for victims of crimes who assist law enforcement. If approved, he would receive a four-year work permit and a path to permanent residency.
- His belongings: The judge ordered ICE to return all his personal property, including identification documents such as his passport or driver’s license.
- No more surprise detentions: If authorities attempt to detain him again, they are required to give him advanced notice and hold a prior hearing.
Justice for Lorenzo Salgado
This case has generated a wave of protests in Houston. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was a father of three who lived in the country for 35 years and was very close to legalizing his status.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare has stated that his office is ready to prosecute the federal agents involved if the investigation shows that there was criminal handling of the shooting.
What follows? The community remains alert. As Rojas Pliego returns to his family, his testimony will be the fundamental piece to clarify what really happened that July morning and ensure that justice is served for the death of Lorenzo Salgado.
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