Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, who was shot by an ICE officer during a traffic stop in Austin, is calling for medical attention while in federal custody.
Key facts
- •Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez was shot once in the back between his shoulder blades during a traffic stop.
- •Garcés Pérez is currently held at the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall, approximately 140 miles from Austin.
- •DHS stated in an initial report that Garcés Pérez was in stable condition and pending removal from the U.S.
- •Austin city council member José “Chito” Vela noted a recent increase in unilateral immigration enforcement actions by ICE in the region.
- •Congressman Greg Casar has demanded an independent investigation and the release of federal footage regarding the shooting.
Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, remains in federal detention following a shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. Garcés Pérez, who was struck in the back, alleges he has received no medical care for a bullet still lodged near his spine. His attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, confirmed he was moved from an Austin hospital to the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall shortly after the incident.
The Shooting Incident
Garcés Pérez was working as a DoorDash driver on Austin’s north side when the encounter occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on Sunday. According to Garcés Pérez, an unmarked vehicle approached him, and after he attempted to move his car to a nearby parking lot, the ICE vehicle collided with his own. Video footage appears to show an officer exiting the vehicle and firing three shots at Garcés Pérez’s car. Garcés Pérez, who has lived in the U.S. for two years and was under a prior removal order, stated he was shot after he did not stop.
Calls for Investigation and Legal Action
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are leading an investigation into the shooting. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and other local officials have expressed anger regarding the incident and have called for local and state involvement in the investigation due to public distrust of ICE. Meanwhile, Garcés Pérez’s legal team has filed a writ of habeas corpus and an injunction motion to prevent his deportation, arguing he qualifies for a visa designated for crime victims.
Timeline
- Sunday, shortly before 1 p.m.Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez was shot by an ICE officer during a traffic stop in Austin.
- Sunday, late afternoonGarcés Pérez was removed from an Austin hospital by ICE agents.
- Monday afternoonGarcés Pérez spoke to his attorney via phone from the South Texas ICE Processing Center.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian US Politics.
