ICE Agent Shoots Venezuelan Man in Austin, Triggering DHS Disputes with Democrats Over Medical Care and Immigration Status
An ICE agent shot Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, during a chase in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. Perez was arrested, taken to a nearby hospital, and listed in stable condition. The shooting prompted protests in Austin and a congressional letter from more than 100 Democratic members of Congress.
Single source · Not corroborated
On Sunday, an ICE agent shot Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, during a chase in Austin, Texas. Perez was transported to a hospital, treated, and listed in stable condition before being transferred to the South Texas ICE Processing Center.
More than 100 Democratic members of Congress signed a letter demanding Perez's release, stating he was "not receiving the care he needs in detention" and that "a bullet remained lodged in his body." Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said Perez had "lost movement on his left side" and had been forced out of the hospital prematurely. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, described ICE as "liars with masks" and called on the agency to leave Austin.
DHS responded on X, saying "sanctuary politicians and the media wasted no time in spreading lies." The agency called the claim that ICE refused to remove the bullet "false," stating that "ICE does not and would not advise, nor be the authority on, a medical procedure for an illegal alien at a hospital." DHS also said Perez was "receiving medical care around the clock, including pain medication" and that he slept on a bed shortly after arriving at the detention facility, disputing reports he had been made to sleep on the floor.