On Sunday afternoon, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and wounded Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28‑year‑old Venezuelan who was working as a DoorDash driver in north‑Austin. The incident occurred just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 183 and Anderson Square, according to city officials.
Details of the Shooting
Police reports indicate that the agent may have been involved in a foot chase before the shooting. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the information is still preliminary and that federal partners have not yet briefed local law‑enforcement. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrived after the shooting and provided medical aid to Perez alongside other officers.
Immigration Status and Legal Context
Immigration lawyer Kate Lincoln‑Goldfinch, who represents Perez’s family, identified him as an undocumented immigrant with a final order for removal, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s post on X. The lawyer later said she could not confirm the exact status, but noted that Perez previously held a valid work permit and entered the United States lawfully.
Local Reaction and Calls for Investigation
Democratic Congressman Greg Casar, who represents Austin, expressed concern that the victim might become a key witness if deported, writing on X, “If ICE deports him, the key witness to their shooting disappears. He must not be removed from this country, and he must receive proper medical care.” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, also a Democrat, called for a joint investigation involving the Texas Rangers, the Austin Police Department, and the Travis County District Attorney’s office. The DA’s office has requested an independent probe, citing possible violations of state law.
Trump Administration’s Enforcement Policy
The shooting comes as the Trump administration continues to surge immigration agents to major cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis, in an effort to enforce existing immigration laws more aggressively. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting American communities from illegal immigration. While critics label the approach as a “crackdown,” the administration frames it as necessary enforcement of the Constitution’s immigration provisions.
Community Response
Dozens of protesters gathered at the scene shortly after the shooting, holding 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 agencies, arguing that constitutional due process must be guaranteed for every person in the United States.
What Comes Next
Federal authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, will lead the investigation, with local law‑enforcement providing support. The community and elected officials are urging transparency and accountability, while the Trump administration maintains that strong immigration enforcement is essential for public safety and the rule of law.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
