A man was hospitalized in Austin, Texas, after being shot by an officer from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a foot chase in the city’s north side shortly before 1 p.m., local officials reported. The man, identified by his family’s immigration attorney as 28-year-old Venezuelan Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, sustained a gunshot wound to his torso and is in serious but stable condition at a local hospital.
Austin authorities confirmed that city police officers were not involved in the operation or shooting. The incident has prompted significant concern among local leadership and community members, with calls for an independent and thorough investigation.
Details of the Incident and Identity of the Injured
The shooting occurred during a brief foot pursuit by an ICE agent. Officials have withheld further personal details about Garces Perez, and his immigration status remains unclear according to his lawyer, Kate Lincoln Goldfinch, who also indicated he has no criminal history or final removal order. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have yet to release a statement regarding the incident.
The incident sparked a protest of about 100 people near the scene, opposing ICE’s actions. Observers noted damage to a vehicle near the protest area, with ICE agents present near the site.
Austin Leadership and Community Demands Accountability
Austin’s mayor, Kirk Watson, expressed outrage over the shooting and criticized ICE’s increasing operations in the city, describing the agency’s conduct as “rogue” and chaotic. Watson called for the Austin Police Department (APD) to lead a “clear-eyed” and independent investigation, ensuring the community’s right to transparency and safety is upheld despite APD’s lack of involvement in the shooting.
The APD’s Special Investigation Unit, responsible for officer-involved shootings, was deployed to the scene, and assistance from the Texas Rangers was requested to support the inquiry.
Political Response and Broader Concerns
U.S. Representative Greg Casar, a Democrat from Texas, called for transparency and accountability in the investigation, citing previous instances where ICE had refused to be truthful about shootings in other cities. Casar condemned the incident as a troubling development and referenced earlier warnings about ICE’s increased presence leading to potential violence.
