Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national residing in Austin, was shot and injured by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a law enforcement operation in North Austin on Sunday. His legal representation confirmed that Garces Perez was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the incident occurred, leading to widespread calls from local officials and community members for a full, independent investigation. Details of the North Austin ShootingThe incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon in the 7000 block of West Anderson Lane near Research Boulevard and Anderson Square. According to statement disclosures from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), state troopers received a call around 12:50 p.m. requesting assistance in a pursuit involving a blue Toyota Corolla driven by Garces Perez. By the time state troopers arrived at the scene, an ICE officer had already discharged their firearm. Local police officials noted during a city press conference that the shooting occurred following a brief foot pursuit, leaving Garces Perez wounded by a gunshot to his upper torso. Eyewitness accounts and video footage verified by news outlets captured an ICE SUV attempting to block the sedan before agents approached. Bullets struck the passenger side door of the vehicle while Garces Perez was reportedly inside. Immediately following the incident, DPS troopers and emergency medical services performed on-site trauma care before transporting the driver to Dell Seton Medical Center. Victim Background & Legal StatusWilber Rafael Garces Perez moved to Austin from Venezuela and lives with his wife. His attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, publicly identified him following the shooting and confirmed that he was actively fulfilling a DoorDash delivery run when federal agents intercepted his vehicle. Disagreements surrounding his immigration history were noted by officials:Legal Representation Statement: Counsel stated that Garces Perez entered the U.S. legally, held an active work permit, and called his wife while in severe distress following the encounter. Federal Department Statement: Statements issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited that Garces Perez entered the country illegally and was subject to law enforcement actions. Following initial medical treatment at Dell Seton Medical Center where his condition stabilized, Garces Perez was discharged and transferred into federal ICE custody. His family and legal representatives raised concerns after being initially denied direct visitation rights or detailed updates regarding his exact facility placement. Event MetricCase BreakdownVictim NameWilber Rafael Garces Perez (Age 28)Incident Date & TimeSunday, September 20, 2026 (~12:50 p.m. local)Location7000 Block of W Anderson Lane, North Austin, TXEmployment StatusFood Delivery Driver (DoorDash)Current StatusReleased from hospital; transferred to ICE custodyInvestigating AgenciesHomeland Security Investigations (HSI) with FBI supportLocal Community Response & Official Calls for AccountabilityThe shooting sparked immediate public protests at the scene in North Austin. Dozens of community members and grassroots activist groups gathered along Research Boulevard carrying signs, demanding transparency, and protesting federal enforcement tactics. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, alongside Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, held a press conference to address the situation, reassuring residents that no local Austin Police Department (APD) officers participated in or fired shots during the federal operation. Demand for Video Evidence: U.S. Representative Greg Casar and local city council members called for an immediate, independent investigation into the officer's conduct, demanding the unredacted release of all agent body-camera and dashboard-camera footage. Federal Investigation: DHS confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will lead the internal review of the discharge incident, supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Local community leaders continue to push for clear updates on Garces Perez's health status and a full public accounting of why lethal force was deployed during a midday traffic stop. Also Read :- Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Law: India’s Russian Oil Purchases Face Fresh Tariff Threat
