Houston (United States) (AFP) – In Houston, Texas, many tell you that they voted Democratic thinking of their father. Mexican Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot to death by United States immigration police last July, a case that left his community in mourning and prompted them to seek change at the polls, his son told AFP.

First modification: 11/06/2026 - 17:54 Last modification: 11/06/2026 - 18:59

In addition to wresting control of Congress from Donald Trump's party, in the midterm elections this week Democrats broke more than three decades of Republican dominance in Texas by electing its first Latina governor.

This Democratic tsunami brings hope to 29-year-old Ronaldo Salgado. On the morning of July 7, an immigration agent shot and killed his father as he walked to work in Houston, Texas.

Although he was not the target of the operation, the agents intercepted him because he was driving a truck similar to that of the person they were looking for. They later accused him of trying to run them over, but witnesses rejected that version. The investigation continues.

Q: What did these elections represent for you?

A: I'm grateful that so many people came out to vote, especially here in Houston in the East End [site of the memorial], where turnout is usually very low. We have seen numbers like never before. I think that shows how much people have wanted change for a long time.

My family and I are very touched by the support received. Many people have left 'I voted' stickers on my father's mural. They all say the same thing: that they voted for him, that they voted with my father in mind. It is something very beautiful, because the vote is sacred, it is a way to produce changes.

People voted for different reasons, including to change immigration policies and respond to the rising cost of living. Now the new legislators have the duty to fulfill their promises, especially those to review immigration policies and end ICE raids on our streets. I hope there are significant changes and that what happened to my father never happens to anyone again.

Q: Donald Trump asked voters to go to the polls as if he himself were on the ballot. Do you think ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) was also on the ballot?

A: My brother and I, since our father died, have tried to mobilize voters, but we never tell them who to vote for. We ask you to support candidates capable of changing immigration and law enforcement policies.

Voters knew who was on the ballot: the candidates, not an agency or a person who wasn't even running for re-election. I'm glad that many did their research and informed themselves before deciding. It was a forceful voice that said things have to change.

Q: Do you think the 'No Sabo Kids', as migrant parents call the new generation of Latinos born in the US who do not speak Spanish, contributed to these results?

A: I hope that one day they will have time to learn the language and culture, but this is a good first step. They thought about their families. They saw what happened to my father and other migrants detained or killed by ICE, and recognized that it could have been their own father, their uncle, or a neighbor.

I was a teacher for seven years and had students they called 'No Sabo Kids'. They understand that their culture goes beyond language. Even if they have documents, they do not want to live in a world where their parents and family have to live in fear. I am glad that these young people came to vote. It is a merit of his, of the young people.

Q: What do you expect from the new authorities?

A: We hope for the best. We have a duty to hold our representatives accountable. And if they don't follow through on their promises to help immigrants, then, you know, they'll lose their jobs.

© 2026 AFP

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