ICE Officer Shoots Man During Austin Enforcement Operation
1 day ago
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during an immigration enforcement operation in Austin on Sunday, prompting calls from local officials for a transparent investigation.
The man was identified by his attorney as 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez. Austin officials said he was shot once in the torso and was hospitalized in serious but stable condition. He was later released from the hospital into federal custody.
The shooting occurred on Austin’s north side following a traffic stop and brief pursuit. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said city police officers were not involved in the federal operation or the shooting.
The Department of Homeland Security said Garces Perez entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration and had a final order of removal. DHS said he remains in federal custody pending removal. His attorney has disputed parts of the government’s account of his immigration status, previously saying he entered the country legally and had a work permit.
Garces Perez's attorney also said he was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the incident occurred. DoorDash confirmed he was in the process of making a delivery at the time of the shooting.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation into the shooting with assistance from the FBI. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has called for Austin police and other outside authorities to have a role in the investigation, saying independent involvement would provide “clear, third-party eyes” on what happened.
The shooting drew about 100 protesters to the area Sunday as federal and local authorities remained at the scene.
Texas Rep. Greg Casar, whose district includes parts of Austin, also called for transparency in the investigation. Local officials say they are seeking additional information from federal authorities about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The man was identified by his attorney as 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez. Austin officials said he was shot once in the torso and was hospitalized in serious but stable condition. He was later released from the hospital into federal custody.
The shooting occurred on Austin’s north side following a traffic stop and brief pursuit. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said city police officers were not involved in the federal operation or the shooting.
The Department of Homeland Security said Garces Perez entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration and had a final order of removal. DHS said he remains in federal custody pending removal. His attorney has disputed parts of the government’s account of his immigration status, previously saying he entered the country legally and had a work permit.
Garces Perez's attorney also said he was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the incident occurred. DoorDash confirmed he was in the process of making a delivery at the time of the shooting.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation into the shooting with assistance from the FBI. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has called for Austin police and other outside authorities to have a role in the investigation, saying independent involvement would provide “clear, third-party eyes” on what happened.
The shooting drew about 100 protesters to the area Sunday as federal and local authorities remained at the scene.
Texas Rep. Greg Casar, whose district includes parts of Austin, also called for transparency in the investigation. Local officials say they are seeking additional information from federal authorities about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
