ICE Agent Shoots Venezuelan Delivery Driver in Austin, Texas
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was wounded during a foot chase and taken into federal custody as local officials demand an independent investigation.
KEY POINTS
- ICE agent shot Venezuelan delivery driver Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, in north Austin Sunday
- Victim suffered torso gunshot wound; listed in critical but stable condition at Dell Seton Medical Center
- Attorney says victim had valid work permit and entered U.S. lawfully; law enforcement source cites final removal order
- Mayor Kirk Watson and Congressman Greg Casar demand independent investigation and body camera footage
- At least third ICE shooting in Texas since March 2025; protesters gathered at scene Sunday evening
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and wounded Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, in north Austin on Sunday just before 1:00 p.m. local time. The man suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center in critical but stable condition.
City officials confirmed the victim was working as a DoorDash delivery driver at the time of the incident, which appeared to involve a foot chase with the ICE agent. A blue Toyota Corolla with damage to the passenger-side door and bullet holes in the rear window was found at the scene near Anderson Square and U.S. Highway 183.
“They should know the truth”
Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch identified the victim and stated he held a valid work permit and entered the U.S. lawfully, though a law enforcement source said he had a final order of removal. She reported he was released from the hospital into ICE custody Sunday evening, but the family has not been permitted to see him.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed anger over the shooting and skepticism regarding ICE's ability to investigate itself. He confirmed the Texas Rangers and Austin Police will participate in the investigation. Democratic Congressman Greg Casar demanded an immediate independent probe and the release of body camera footage.
The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment. The shooting marks at least the third instance of an ICE officer shooting a person in Texas since March 2025, following the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston. Dozens of protesters gathered at the scene Sunday evening demanding ICE leave Austin.
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