Faith leaders and interfaith coalition members gathered at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday to call for increased oversight and accountability of federal immigration enforcement, focusing on recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Texas. The event, part of a national day of action, urged Governor Greg Abbott and state lawmakers to implement broader reforms to federal immigration operations within the state.

The gathering followed Abbott’s recent directive ordering the Texas Rangers to investigate the fatal shooting of Houston construction worker Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE agents on July 7. While the coalition expressed appreciation for the investigation, they emphasized that independent reviews should be standard practice for all ICE-related deaths rather than exceptional measures. Grace Bonilla of Texas Impact, an organization that organized the news conference, said such accountability should not hinge on individual cases but be a consistent response.

The coalition’s demands include requiring ICE agents to wear visible identification and activated body cameras during all enforcement actions, restricting the use of unmarked vehicles and plainclothes agents, and establishing enforceable limits on the use of lethal force. They also called for immediate family notification in cases where individuals are detained, seriously injured, or killed, as well as the creation of independent oversight mechanisms with consequences for agents who violate policy or law. Additionally, the group urged the suspension of new 287(g) agreements — which authorize certain local law enforcement agencies to assist ICE — until broader federal reforms are enacted. They also recommended that Texas regulate immigration detention facilities under state health and safety standards.

Bishop Sue Briner of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America highlighted the importance of transparency in cases where government actions result in loss of life, saying it honors the dignity of those affected and the integrity of law enforcement officials serving honorably.

The event brought together clergy and lay leaders from various religious traditions, including Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, United Church of Christ, and Jewish congregations. While acknowledging the federal government’s role in immigration enforcement and border security, speakers argued that recent fatal encounters involving ICE in Texas, as well as elsewhere in the U.S. such as Maine and Minneapolis, underscore the need for enhanced oversight.

The gathering also reflected ongoing tensions in Austin surrounding immigration enforcement. The Austin Police Department reported only a handful of encounters this year where individuals apprehended by officers were later taken into ICE custody. Nevertheless, the department has faced scrutiny over its policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, prompting debate among city officials, immigrant advocates, and state leaders.

State Representative Vikki Goodwin, a Democrat running for lieutenant governor, attended the event and expressed support for many of the coalition’s proposals, particularly a moratorium on new 287(g) agreements. Goodwin noted concerns that local law enforcement agencies, lacking specialized training for immigration enforcement, risk diverting resources from community protection, contributing to fear within local populations.

The demands for increased oversight resonate with concerns voiced recently in Travis County, where residents called on officials to enhance transparency about ICE activities and consider measures to limit local cooperation beyond existing legal requirements.

Salgado Araujo’s death remains a focal point for calls for transparency. His family reportedly first learned about the shooting from social media videos, and key evidence remains under federal control. The ICE agents involved were not equipped with body cameras, raising further questions about documentation of the incident. The Rev. Abel Vega, speaking on behalf of Methodist bishops in Texas, emphasized the coalition’s commitment to truth and public accountability in this matter of life and death.