- Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot in the back by an ICE officer while delivering a DoorDash order in Austin, Texas, and was transferred from the hospital to a detention center with a bullet still in his back.
- Garces Perez was taken to the South Texas Processing Center in Pearsall, Texas, about two hours from Austin, and he reported severe pain and lack of medical attention, including no pain medication and being held in a cold room with no bed.
- The ICE officer who allegedly opened fire has been placed on administrative leave, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), part of ICE, is leading the investigation with the FBI.
- The DHS spokesperson stated that Garces Perez illegally entered the U.S. under the Biden administration and had a final order of removal, calling it a developing situation.
- U.S. Rep. Greg Casar condemned ICE's presence, noting Garces Perez has no criminal record and arguing that ICE has not made the public safer.
- Lincoln-Goldfinch, Casar, and other local officials demanded transparency and the release of body camera footage, and called for an end to ICE traffic stops.
- The shooting follows a similar incident in July where an ICE officer shot and killed a 52-year-old man in Houston, who had lived in the U.S. for over three decades.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan man, was shot in the back by an ICE officer while delivering a DoorDash order in Austin. Garces Perez was transferred to a detention center with a bullet lodged near his spine, causing severe pain and lack of medical attention.12
"I am not doing well, and I am not receiving the medical attention that I require," Garces Perez stated during a news conference. His lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, revealed that he was moved to the South Texas Processing Center without proper care.3456
The ICE officer involved has been placed on administrative leave as investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI proceed.78
A DHS spokesperson confirmed that Garces Perez entered the U.S. illegally and had a final order of removal, but he was seeking asylum after entering through the Biden-era CBP One app.910
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar condemned ICE's actions, stating, "The vast majority of people being pulled over have zero criminal records." He called for transparency and the release of body camera footage, emphasizing the need to end ICE traffic stops due to their violent outcomes.141516
This incident follows a previous shooting involving ICE, raising concerns about the agency's practices in Austin.
“Garces Perez entered the U.S. in 2024 via the CBP One app and had a work permit, but received a deportation order in absentia after missing a court hearing. Rep. Greg Casar condemned ICE, saying 'ICE has not made us more safe,' and demanded release of body camera footage.”
CBS News
