Houston City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026

The meeting began with invocation, roll call, and procedural motions to add several speakers to the one-minute agenda. The majority of the meeting was devoted to public testimony regarding the July 7, 2026 killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE agents, with many speakers demanding an end to HPD's collaboration with ICE, the release of witnesses held in detention, and an independent investigation. Council also discussed a proposed mausoleum for St. Mary's Catholic Church (Agenda Item 17) and heard testimony on pedicab enforcement, Flock safety cameras, and other community concerns.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rolando Salgado (son of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo) gave an emotional testimony thanking Mayor Whitmire and Councilmembers Martinez and Davis for support, but criticized other council members for lack of response. He demanded a full independent transparent investigation, justice for his father, and an end to HPD's partnership with ICE. He also called for the release of other detainees (Victor Hugo, Daniel Tirado). Mayor Whitmire responded with condolences and promised memorialization and continued support.
• Numerous speakers (Conchita Reyes, Norma Matou, Ruth Rosk, Matthew Alex, Abraham Jacob, Joseph Jacob, Josh Chako, Saji Chako, Tom Beachum, and many others) spoke in support of the Salgado family and against ICE collaboration. Many cited personal experiences, statistics (e.g., "over 100 calls to ICE in the last three months," "19 people taken into ICE custody"), and urged Council to end HPD-ICE cooperation. Some speakers also mentioned the need to release Jose Rojas after a federal judge ordered his release.
• A naturalized citizen expressed concern that failing to enforce immigration laws devalues legal immigrants and asked for law and order.
• Several speakers (Dr. Arko Barman, others) called for terminating the city's contract with Flock Safety, citing a 6.4 million dollar cost over five years and the company's history of operating without a proper license.
• Supporters of Agenda Item 17 (mausoleum at St. Mary's Catholic Church) requested approval to submit an application, stressing that the project would be above-ground, sealed, and maintained by the church.
• Eric Erisian, a pedicab owner, spoke about unpermitted electric motors on pedicabs, calling for enforcement of existing rules. He cited safety hazards and fires in Austin.
• Additional comments addressed parking reform, BARC animal welfare, public works issues, and air conditioning/climate change.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Item 17 – Mausoleum at St. Mary's Catholic Church: Councilmember Amy Peck asked the city attorney about the process. The city attorney explained that the proposed ordinance prescribes information the church must submit; after submission, a second council vote will determine whether the mausoleum meets health and safety standards. The mausoleum would be only for church members.
• Pedicab Enforcement: Councilmember Amy Peck acknowledged the issue of electric motors on pedicabs and said she would work with ARA and Councilmember Flickinger to address enforcement. Councilmember Flickinger noted a broader effort to regulate motorized bikes in Houston.

Key Outcomes

• All procedural motions to add speakers to the agenda (for Rolando Salgado, Conchita Reyes, Norma Matou, Ruth Rosk, Bet Guide, Ruben Garza, Lucia Modeno, Haley Rogers, and others) passed by voice vote.
• No final votes were taken on Agenda Item 17 (mausoleum) or on ending ICE collaboration; these items are deferred for further action.
• Councilmembers expressed intent to follow up on pedicab regulations and to continue discussions on HPD-ICE cooperation.