A federal immigration agent shot and wounded a 28-year-old Venezuelan man in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, sparking a complex investigation and raising questions about federal law enforcement protocols.
The shooting occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on the city’s north side. The victim, identified by his attorney as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, was working as a DoorDash driver at the time of the incident. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed the man was shot in the torso and transported to Dell Seton Medical Center in serious but stable condition.
Garces Perez’s attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, stated that her client was later released from the hospital directly into ICE custody. She expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency regarding his status, telling CBS News that officers refused to provide meaningful updates to his family and prevented them from accessing the hospital property. “We are deeply concerned that his wife and family have not been permitted to see him and have not received a meaningful update regarding his current condition or whereabouts,” she said.
Federal sources confirmed that ICE agents were attempting to apprehend Garces Perez, who they say is in the U.S. illegally and subject to a deportation order. Lincoln-Goldfinch maintained that her client entered the U.S. lawfully, though she did not comment on his current legal status.
While the Austin Police Department is not involved in the shooting, Chief Lisa Davis indicated that preliminary information suggests the incident may have involved a foot pursuit. Austin City Council member Mike Siegel alleged a more aggressive encounter, claiming an ICE officer rammed Garces Perez’s vehicle before exiting and firing at least five shots.
The investigation is being led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the FBI. This arrangement marks a significant shift in federal practice; historically, the FBI has led investigations into federal officer-involved shootings to ensure independent oversight, particularly regarding potential civil rights violations. HSI is a component of ICE, and this move to have an agency investigate its own personnel has drawn scrutiny.
Both the Austin Police Department and Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed that local authorities were not involved in the shooting, and federal officials are currently coordinating the ongoing investigation.