On Sunday before 1 p.m., an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fired at Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28‑year‑old Venezuelan who was working as a DoorDash driver on the north side of Austin, Texas. Perez was wounded and later released from the hospital, reportedly into ICE custody.
Details of the Incident
According to city EMS chief Robert Luckritz, the shooting occurred during what appears to have been a foot chase involving the ICE agent. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were called to assist in a vehicle pursuit, but the officer‑involved shooting happened before they arrived on scene. Troopers who later reached the location provided medical aid alongside other law‑enforcement officers.
Video from local station KVUE showed a damaged blue Toyota Corolla with bullet holes in the right rear window near Anderson Square and U.S. Route 183. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing the driver’s vehicle sustain damage.
Family and Legal Representation
Garces Perez is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who held a final order for removal, according to a law‑enforcement source. Immigration lawyer Kate Lincoln‑Goldfinch, representing his family, said Perez previously held a valid work permit and entered the United States lawfully. His wife was unaware of any removal order, believing he was undergoing standard immigration proceedings.
Political Reactions
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed anger and disappointment, stating, “I’m very angry and extremely unhappy about a person being shot by ICE. While I’m unhappy and I’m angry about it, I’m not surprised at all.” He questioned whether ICE could conduct an independent investigation and noted that the Texas Rangers and Austin Police will participate.
Democratic Congressman Greg Casar, who represents Austin, called for an independent probe and urged ICE to leave the city, saying the agency’s actions are “unacceptable.” He highlighted the broader surge of ICE operations in Austin, particularly in north‑central neighborhoods.
Federal Context
The incident occurs amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement strategy, which has deployed additional agents to several Democrat‑run cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis. According to a CNN analysis, at least 20 people have been shot by on‑duty ICE and Customs and Border Patrol agents during the second Trump administration, eight of those fatalities involving American citizens.
President Trump’s administration argues that robust enforcement is necessary to protect American families and uphold the rule of law. Supporters contend that increased presence deters illegal activity and secures borders, aligning with constitutional responsibilities to safeguard citizens.
Community Response
Hours after the shooting, dozens of protesters gathered at the intersection near the incident, displaying anti‑ICE signs and Mexican flags. Among them was 13‑year‑old Janney Olvera, who said, “We’re not getting any justice. This is supposed to protect our streets? I don’t think so.”
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) called on Congress to establish independent oversight of immigration enforcement and to ensure any DHS or ICE official who violates constitutional rights faces prosecution.
Next Steps
City officials, the Texas Rangers and Austin Police will investigate the shooting. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment, and ICE has not released a statement regarding the incident.
As the investigation proceeds, local residents and advocacy groups are urging transparency and accountability, while the federal administration maintains that its enforcement actions are vital for protecting communities across the nation.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
