The Greater Houston Coalition for Justice and LULAC are calling on local and federal officials to address what they describe as an ongoing crisis caused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Houston area.
The organizations are holding a press conference today at LULAC Headquarters, 150 W. Parker, fifth floor, to formally declare a “State of Emergency” in response to a series of incidents involving ICE that they say have caused irreparable harm to immigrant families and the broader community.
Among the most striking cases presented at the press conference involved two sisters — Alicia and Britany, ages 10 and 11 — who have been living alone in their Conroe apartment since their mother was detained by ICE.
The girls were present at the press conference and made themselves available for interviews.
“These are the two girls that are living alone while their mother is detained by ICE,” organizers said in announcing the event.
The coalition cited the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE this summer as a catalyst for the declaration. Organizers say that since that incident, what they describe as inhumane treatment by ICE has continued without accountability.
“After the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE this summer, the inhumane treatment continues without any sign of accountability or of recognizing the consequences of their unconstitutional actions and the horrendous suffering on families and our communities,” organizers said in a statement.
In a separate case, Miguel Parra was struck by an ICE vehicle in the past week. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare stated today there is enough evidence to take the case to a grand jury and seek an indictment against the ICE agent involved.
While coalition leaders praised the DA’s position, they pushed for immediate action.
“Though we are proud of our DA’s work, our question is, if that is so, why has this not happened? Make it happen! NOW!” organizers said.
Arq. Alejandro Yeverino, a representative of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, was also in attendance at the press conference, signaling international attention to the cases being raised by Houston advocates.
The coalition also announced that Little Joe will be recognized at the upcoming GHCFJ Liberty and Justice Awards.
