An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and seriously wounded a 28-year-old Venezuelan delivery worker in the thorax during a foot chase in Austin, Texas. The September 20, 2026, shooting occurred amid a sharp escalation of federal immigration operations in the state capital, immediately drawing condemnation from city leadership and federal lawmakers.
Federal Agent Shoots Venezuelan Delivery Worker in Austin
DoorDash Route Interrupted by Armed Pursuit
Wilber Garcés Pérez was targeted by federal immigration agents while making a DoorDash delivery. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, his attorney, detailed the incident in a statement posted on X. During the ensuing foot pursuit, an ICE agent discharged a firearm, striking Garcés Pérez in the chest.
Municipal authorities confirmed the victim was transported to an area hospital. He was listed in serious but stable condition before being transferred into federal immigration custody.
Lawmakers Condemn Post-Hospital Custody Transfer
Representative Greg Casar criticized the custody transfer.
According to Representative Casar, deporting the victim would eliminate a primary witness to the shooting. Lawmakers have demanded that Garcés Pérez remain in the country to receive proper medical treatment while investigations proceed.
Mayor Watson Demands Independent Inquiry
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed strong opposition to the federal operation on social media, stating he was angry and disappointed by the shooting. During a subsequent press conference, Mayor Watson noted that the incident followed a sudden, significant increase in ICE enforcement actions across the city.
The Democratic mayor insisted that local law enforcement must participate in any resulting inquiries. He asserted that it is inappropriate for the federal agency to investigate its own conduct independently.
Escalating Scrutiny Amid Nationwide Enforcement
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not released an official statement regarding the shooting. The federal agency serves as a primary instrument for the mass arrest and deportation policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Agency personnel, typically operating in heavily armed and masked units, have faced intensifying public scrutiny nationwide. This follows aggressive enforcement tactics, including fatal shootings of two American citizens in Minneapolis in January.
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