Austin Police Release Footage of Arrest After ICE-Involved Shooting

The Austin Police Department released footage showing the arrest of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan immigrant, shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. This incident occurred over the weekend.

Three short videos detail the incident. In one of the clips, what sound like three gunshots can be heard. Another shows an officer arriving, finding Garces Perez sitting in the driver’s seat, appearing to hold his shoulder in pain.

Reports indicate that ICE officers shot Garces Perez while attempting to arrest him. The body camera footage released by Austin Police on Tuesday captures Garces Perez in his vehicle post-shooting. Officers, wearing body cameras, assisted him out of his car, countering claims that agents forcibly removed him before arresting him.

An officer can be heard instructing to get shears to cut Garces Perez’s shirt, intending to examine the wounds. Communications included a question in Spanish about firearms, to which Garces Perez replied, “No.” An officer stated that there seemed to be one gunshot wound.

Details emerged about Garces Perez delivering a DoorDash order when he made a U-turn, causing ICE agents to pursue him further. His attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, alleged that an unmarked truck pursued and collided with his vehicle before the shooting occurred. Authorities confirmed Garces Perez had a removal order but noted he updated his address with the court.

ICE refuted rumors about the shooting and his legal status, stating his work permit would expire in 2025, adding it does not grant legal status. After being released from the hospital, Garces Perez was transferred to an ICE detention facility.

ICE clarified the encounter in a statement, describing it as a targeted vehicle stop. The agency emphasized the dangers of resisting officers, stating it is a felony and a federal crime. They criticized “sanctuary” policies, urging against actions endangering officers and the public.