Details Emerge on Shooting of Venezuelan by ICE Officer in Austin

Numerous videos shared on social media have highlighted the moments surrounding the shooting of 28-year-old Venezuelan, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, by an ICE officer in Austin. The incident transpired just before 1 p.m., near Anderson Square and Research Boulevard in the city’s north.

Garces Perez, working as a DoorDash delivery driver, was wounded by a federal officer. Immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch identified him as the victim. DoorDash confirmed that Garces Perez was on duty at the time, and stated they are investigating but have no additional information. They reaffirmed that Dashers are independent contractors.

Garces Perez’s status as a target of an immigration operation remains unclear. According to Lincoln-Goldfinch, he lawfully entered the U.S. through a parole program and is an asylum seeker. She did not provide further details about his current immigration status.

A DHS spokesperson labeled Garces Perez an “illegal alien,” claiming he entered the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration and had a final order of removal.

Videos Unveil Scene

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated the city’s police were not involved in the shooting. There were reports of a “small foot pursuit” leading up to the event, though she lacked complete details.

Heidi Ann Clark, an Austin resident, captured the incident on video. While livestreaming, she caught an unmarked SUV stopping near Garces Perez’s blue Toyota Corolla. An ICE agent exited the SUV, ran toward the Toyota with a firearm, and three shots were heard. The Corolla, still rolling slowly, stopped as the officer approached.

A video from Celena Ramos depicted the aftermath, with Austin Police arriving and securing the scene. Another bystander’s video showed an agent near the Corolla while witnesses demanded medical aid, questioning the necessity of the shooting.

Garces Perez was seen clutching his chest, with onlookers urging for an ambulance. An officer later cut away his shirt, revealing a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. Bystanders expressed their frustration vocally, citing their contributions to taxes and questioning the authorities’ actions.

Community Reacts

Lincoln-Goldfinch updated on Sunday night that Garces Perez’s family could not visit him at Dell Seton Medical Center, in UT. They learned about his stable condition only after Austin Mayor Kirk Watson intervened.

He was likely moved to a federal detention center. The incident follows a previous ICE-related fatality, resulting in heightened concern among Austin officials.

Mayor Kirk Watson expressed anger over the shooting, accusing ICE of rogue behavior. He requested the involvement of Austin police in the investigation for unbiased oversight.

Representative Greg Casar urged against deporting Garces Perez on social media, emphasizing his status as a key witness to the incident. Casar insisted on appropriate medical care for him.

A DHS representative reiterated Garces Perez’s illegal status and mentioned that the investigation will involve Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. Garces Perez remains stable but in custody pending removal. Updates will follow as they become available.