Full Breakdown
Nationwide Day of Action Calls for Accountability After ICE-Related Deaths
7/27/2026, 8:40:23 AM
Background & Context
Since January 2025, activists say 75 people have died during ICE operations or while in ICE custody. The tally includes 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, shot during a traffic stop in Houston on July 7, and 25-year-old Johan Sebastián Guerrero, killed in a Maine traffic stop on July 13. Organizers argue the deaths illustrate a pattern of lethal enforcement that disproportionately affects communities of color.
Timeline
- July 7 – Lorenzo Salgado Araujo killed by ICE agents in Houston, Texas.
- July 13 – Johan Sebastián Guerrero killed by ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine.
- July 25 – Coordinated protests and vigils held in Pasadena, downtown Los Angeles, Mesa (Arizona), and Cedar Park (Texas).
Data & Statistics
- Demonstrators displayed 71 names on a Cedar Park intersection, representing individuals who have died at the hands of ICE agents or in ICE custody since 2025.
- In Pasadena, participants wore yellow-threaded fliers with photos and names of the deceased, including local resident Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, who died while fleeing an ICE raid.
- A UCLA study cited by protesters estimated that ICE sweeps in Los Angeles reduced nearby business visits by 46,000 and cost an estimated $3.16 million in revenue over two weeks.
On-the-Ground Reports
Pasadena, California – On July 25, about 50 demonstrators gathered at Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue, carrying American flags, signs such as “No ICE No War,” and white crosses with photos of victims, including Keith Porter Jr., killed by an off-duty ICE officer. Organizer Andra Clarke read the names aloud.
Downtown Los Angeles – Hundreds marched from City Hall to Olvera Street, carrying empty cardboard coffins to symbolize each life lost. Organizer Michelle Arkin emphasized the need for citizens to speak out.
Mesa, Arizona – A dozen protesters assembled near Dobson Road and Southern Avenue. Retired nurse Lauren Machen displayed the names of three men killed in ICE encounters, adding Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, who died on July 14 after fleeing officers. Demonstrators called for investigations and the closure of a federal processing center near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Cedar Park, Texas – Dozens gathered at North Bell Boulevard and West Park Street, lining the street with signs and chanting for accountability. Organizer Carlos Rumba declared, “They’re killing us, and they have no accountability.” The group displayed 71 names and pledged further events.
Official Statements & Responses
Organizer Andra Clarke asserted that the deaths reflect systematic targeting of communities of color, describing the pattern as “fascism” and urging immediate action. In a congressional hearing, Democratic Congressman Christian Menefee called for ICE to be “torn down to the studs” and rebuilt with respect for human dignity, noting that such reforms are unlikely under the current administration. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare indicated that the Department of Homeland Security has not provided requested evidence, including the identity of the officer who fired the fatal shot in the Salgado Araujo case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now 75 people have died at the hands of ICE,” — Organizer Andra Clarke
- “They’re targeting communities, they’re targeting people of color. It’s fascism. … Anybody who cares about humanity should care about what’s happening.” — Organizer Andra Clarke
- “Are we going to wait until 70 more die to do something?” — Marlom Portillo
- “They're killing us, and they have no accountability,” — Carlos Rumba
What’s Next
Organizers across the four locations said they will continue holding events to pressure federal authorities for transparent investigations and policy changes. They plan additional vigils and marches in the coming months to sustain public attention on ICE-related fatalities.
