One of the leading Hispanic civil rights organizations in the United States is urging against the deportation of a Venezuelan immigrant shot during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Austin. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) asserts that the individual, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, is crucial to the investigation of the use of force by officers.
LULAC’s Perspective
Juan Peruano, the CEO of LULAC, highlighted the importance of Garces Perez in the inquiry stating, “Wilber is a victim and the key witness to the incident.” This stance comes after Garces Perez suffered injuries during a traffic stop where he was shot and hospitalized, sparking community protests and demands for an independent investigation.
Details of the Incident
According to Garces Perez’s attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, the incident occurred while he was working as a DoorDash delivery driver. An unmarked vehicle reportedly sideswiped his car, prompting confusion and leading to a chase. Lincoln-Goldfinch remarked that Garces Perez was unaware that the vehicle belonged to ICE.
She alleged, “The truck chased him, sideswiping him again. Agents then exited and shot him in the neck before removing him from the vehicle.” Concerns were raised about the medical treatment Garces Perez received, with allegations of a bullet remaining lodged in his body without adequate care.
Calls for Change
Lincoln-Goldfinch criticized ICE’s conduct, arguing that their agents are overly armed and inadequately trained for traffic stops. She highlighted that Garces Perez, who sought asylum in 2024 using the CBP One app, was facing deportation due to a missed hearing notice sent to an outdated address, despite updating his information in the system.
She condemned ICE narratives, suggesting misinformation has been a consistent issue. Representative Lloyd Doggett supported these claims, stating, “ICE lacks credibility. We require an independent body for accountability.”
Current Status and Next Steps
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sources confirmed that Garces Perez is an illegal immigrant under a final removal order. The agency reported that he is in stable condition and awaits deportation proceedings.
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