26 Texas Republican lawmakers have pushed back against a letter that was sent from Mexican Senator Juan Carlos Loera de la Rosa criticizing U.S. immigration enforcement following the death of a Mexican national during an ICE operation in Houston.
Loera, who is the president of the Mexican Senate’s Committee on Northern Border Affairs, sent the July 13 letter to Republican legislators in Texas, where he condemned the death of a Mexican national and referenced broader enforcement concerns. He stated that a secure border and a humane border are not competing objectives and said, “the dignity and the life of every migrant must take precedence over any enforcement measure.”
The letter followed the July 7 fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national, by an ICE officer during an immigration enforcement operation in Houston. ICE officials stated that Lorenzo Araujo was in the country illegally, ignored commands, and attempted to ram an officer with his vehicle. Mexican Senator Loera had separately condemned the death and called for a thorough investigation.
In response, 26 Republican members and nominees of the Texas House of Representatives issued an open letter spearheaded by State Representative Andy Hopper. The lawmakers rejected Loera’s request, writing that immigration and border security matters are for the United States of America and the State of Texas, not for foreign governments. The lawmakers described the Mexican Senator’s letter as inappropriate and unacceptable, particularly during an election year.
The lawmakers’ response corrected the letter’s premise, stating that individuals who enter the United States and Texas unlawfully are classified as illegal aliens who violate U.S. and Texas law, and that every sovereign nation has the right and obligation to control its borders. They reinforced support for immigration enforcement, cooperation with federal authorities, and policies to strengthen border security. The letter also highlighted criminal justice data showing illegal aliens booked into Texas jails and argued that meaningful cooperation with Mexico should begin with stronger action against cartels.
The exchange occurs while ongoing tensions over border security and sovereignty as Texas Republicans continue to prioritize border enforcement.