A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and wounded 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez during a traffic stop in Austin, Texas, according to local authorities and legal representation. The Sunday afternoon shooting on the city’s north side sparked an immediate anti-ICE demonstration at the scene and drew scrutiny from municipal leaders regarding federal law enforcement operations.
Shooting Details and Initial Response
The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when federal agents conducted a traffic stop involving a blue Toyota sedan on Austin’s north side, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. Garcés Pérez, who arrived in the United States from Venezuela two years ago and was making a delivery for DoorDash, was shot once in the torso, according to statements from his lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch.
Chief Davis stated during a press conference that Austin police officers were not involved in the operation or the shooting. Local police arrived after the gunfire occurred. Bystander video shows Austin officers rushing to retrieve medical kits and surgical gloves to administer first aid to Garcés Pérez, while federal agents stated they had called an ambulance.
Eyewitnesses near the scene reported hearing gunshots outside a local ice-cream store near a highway overpass. Carlos, who rushed to the area after hearing the shots, stated that he saw Garcés Pérez clutching his chest. Video footage captured an ICE officer placing handcuffs on Garcés Pérez and removing him from the vehicle before Austin police officers cut open his shirt to treat a visible bullet wound between his shoulder blades.
As of Sunday night, Garcés Pérez was listed in serious but stable condition at a local hospital, according to Chief Davis. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not participate in the Austin police press conference and did not immediately respond to requests for details regarding the shooting.
Protests and Municipal Scrutiny
Following the shooting, a crowd of approximately 100 demonstrators gathered near the intersection where the incident took place to protest the Trump administration’s hardline anti-immigration campaign. Protesters chanted slogans, cursed at police officers holding riot shields, and held signs directed at federal law enforcement agencies as passing motorists honked in support.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson addressed the public during the press conference, emphasizing the need for independent municipal oversight of the investigation. Watson stated that he wants the Austin Police Department to participate directly in the probe to provide “clear, third-party eyes” rather than permitting ICE to investigate its own personnel.
“Austin residents have a right to feel safe in their city,” Watson said, adding that a proper investigation will only enhance credibility.
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