Details Emerge in Shooting of Venezuelan by ICE Officer in Austin
Multiple videos on social media have highlighted details about the shooting of 28-year-old Venezuelan Wilber Rafael Garces Perez by an ICE officer in Austin. The incident happened just before 1 p.m. near Anderson Square and Research Boulevard. Garces Perez, identified by immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, was delivering food for DoorDash at the time of the shooting.
DoorDash confirmed to Newsweek that Garces Perez was making a delivery when he was shot. They are investigating but have no additional details yet. DoorDash also clarified that all Dashers are independent contractors.
It remains unknown if Garces Perez was a target of any immigration operation. Lincoln-Goldfinch mentioned Garces Perez lawfully entered the U.S. through a parole program and was seeking asylum but did not comment on his present immigration status. A DHS spokesperson told Newsweek that Garces Perez was an “illegal alien” with a final order of removal.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that their officers were not involved, though there was a “small foot pursuit” before the shooting. Videos from bystanders add more context to the events.
Heidi Ann Clark, an Austin resident, streamed live as an unmarked SUV stopped near a blue Toyota Corolla, thought to belong to Garces Perez. An ICE agent exited, wielding a firearm. The sound of three shots was audible as the officer approached the vehicle.
Another video from Celena Ramos shows Austin Police had soon cordoned off the scene. In a third video shared by Austin Council Member Mike Siegel’s office, witnesses confronted authorities, demanding answers and medical assistance for the driver.
The driver, injured in his seat, appeared distressed as onlookers questioned the absence of medical aid. Comments of “He’s dying” were made while pressing authorities for an ambulance.
After police arrived, discussions ensued about EMS presence, revealing a gunshot wound on Garces Perez’s left shoulder. Frustrated bystanders expressed anger over the delayed medical response.
City Tensions Rise Post-Shooting
Attorney Lincoln-Goldfinch reported that Garces Perez’s wife was denied access to see him at Dell Seton Medical Center. Only after Mayor Kirk Watson’s visit did they learn his condition was stable. It is suggested he may now be in federal detention.
The incident has stirred anger among Austin officials. Mayor Watson expressed his discontentment about ICE’s actions, labeling them ‘rogue’ and urging the Austin police to participate in the investigation for transparency.
U.S. Representative Greg Casar called on social media to ensure Garces Perez isn’t deported, citing potential loss of a key witness to the shooting.
A DHS spokesperson reiterated that Garces Perez was an “illegal alien” and the situation remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. The public will be updated as more information becomes available.