Additional Coverage:
- Shocking video captures the moment ICE agents shoot at ‘illegal alien’ delivering food (themirror.com)
A video circulating on social media captures a tense encounter between ICE agents and a driver in Austin, Texas, culminating in a shooting that has sparked widespread concern.
The footage, recorded by a nearby driver, shows a black SUV with flashing police lights stopped beside another vehicle. A person is seen running around the SUV just as the other car begins to drive away. Suddenly, gunshots ring out in the background, prompting the person filming to exclaim, “Oh my God.”
The individual shot has been identified as Wilber Rafel Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash driver. According to his attorney, Perez was delivering food on Sunday afternoon when he was seriously wounded by ICE agents. He was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the torso and is currently in serious but stable condition.
Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch described Perez as an asylum seeker who entered the U.S. through a parole program. In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security referred to him as an “illegal alien from Venezuela who illegally entered our country” in a statement posted on X.
DHS confirmed that an ICE-related shooting took place and that their investigations unit, alongside the FBI, is leading the ongoing probe. They also noted that Perez remains in federal custody pending removal.
Lincoln-Goldfinch has stated she cannot verify Perez’s exact immigration status. Meanwhile, Perez’s wife, who holds legal status, has asserted that her husband has no criminal record.
In the aftermath of the shooting, protesters gathered at the intersection where the incident occurred, expressing their outrage. Austin officials clarified their role in the situation; Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed that Austin police were not involved in the shooting.
Police Chief Lisa Davis described a “small foot pursuit” taking place and confirmed that Austin police investigators were present at the scene. She also noted ongoing communication with Homeland Security Investigations and other state law enforcement agencies.
The incident has prompted calls from Democrats for the release of body camera footage to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities continue their investigation into this developing case.