Texa Border Business
Texas Border Business
HOUSTON, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on July 15 announced that the Texas Rangers have been ordered to investigate the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado during a federal immigration enforcement operation, saying law enforcement can enforce immigration laws without the use of deadly force.
Responding to questions from reporters following remarks at the home of Jan Southern, Abbott said the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers had already met with federal officials and the Houston Police Department regarding the incident.
“There has been a meeting with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, meeting with federal officials as well as with your local police department here in Houston,” Abbott said. “The Texas Rangers are now going to be involved in an investigation of this matter, working alongside federal officials to get to the bottom of exactly what happened.”
Asked whether the investigation would be independent, Abbott said the Texas Rangers conduct investigations independently.
“Anytime the Texas Rangers are involved, they work independently,” Abbott said. “They’re well known, not just in the state of Texas, but elsewhere, for their independence in conducting investigations.”
Reporters also asked Abbott whether the shooting caused him to reconsider his support for federal immigration enforcement operations after federal authorities said Salgado was not the intended target.
Abbott said he continues to support enforcement of immigration laws but distinguished that objective from the use of deadly force.
“One thing we want to see in Texas and across America, we don’t want to see people shot, period,” Abbott said. “I fully expect our immigration laws to be enforced, but it’s proven that immigration laws can be enforced and stopping illegal immigration from coming across the border can be achieved without shooting people.”
When asked about concerns from residents who fear they could be shot during enforcement operations, Abbott said law enforcement agencies should prioritize preserving life while carrying out their duties.
“The goal for law enforcement, whether you be Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety or federal law enforcement, is first thing, don’t kill people,” Abbott said. “But you can achieve that goal while at the very same time making sure you’re enforcing immigration laws.”
Abbott did not provide additional details about the investigation or a timeline for its completion.
