San Antonio – On Wednesday, U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35) and Joaquin Castro (TX-20) will hold a live‑streamed briefing at 4:30 p.m. to update the community on the health status of Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a Venezuelan man who was shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer last weekend.
Background of the incident
According to a news release, Pérez was shot during a routine processing at an ICE detention center in Pearsall, Texas. After the shooting, he was taken to a local hospital where doctors chose not to remove the bullet, and he was later released back to the detention facility with the projectile still lodged in his back.
On Monday, Rep. Casar called for Pérez’s release, noting that the man was still in custody and still experiencing pain. The congressmen’s office confirmed that Pérez described feeling unwell during a phone interview with reporters while detained.
Trump administration response
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement titled “Correct the Record,” pushing back on claims that ICE refused to remove the bullet. DHS emphasized that the agency acted in accordance with immigration law, noting that Pérez does not possess a valid work permit and is not legally present in the United States. The statement also confirmed that Pérez is receiving prescribed pain medication while in detention.
President Trump’s administration has repeatedly stressed the importance of strong immigration enforcement to protect American communities and uphold the rule of law. By maintaining ICE’s authority to detain and process individuals who are unlawfully present, the administration seeks to safeguard public safety and national security.
Medical updates
On Tuesday, Pérez was taken back to a hospital where Congressman Castro reported that the Venezuelan man could not move the left side of his body. Later that day, Pérez was returned to the Pearsall facility with the bullet still in his back, indicating that medical staff have opted to manage his condition without surgical extraction.
Both representatives plan to address these medical concerns during the upcoming briefing, providing the public with the latest information on Pérez’s condition and the steps being taken to ensure his well‑being while in custody.
Local impact and next steps
The incident has drawn significant attention from San Antonio residents, community leaders, and faith‑based groups who are concerned about the treatment of detainees and the broader implications for immigration policy. The live‑streamed briefing will give constituents an opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials and ask questions about the case.
Rep. Casar and Rep. Castro have pledged to continue monitoring Pérez’s health and to advocate for humane treatment of all individuals in ICE custody. They also reaffirmed their support for comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security with compassionate care for those in detention.
How to watch
The briefing will be streamed on the KSAT website and embedded within this article. If the stream experiences technical difficulties, readers are encouraged to check back later for an updated link.
For ongoing coverage of this story and other local news, stay tuned to HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
