Shooting of Venezuelan Immigrant in Austin Raises Concerns Over Deportation

<p>The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) called for the Venezuelan immigrant shot during an ICE pursuit in Austin not to be deported, stating he is a key witness in the investigation into the use of force by officers. The incident occurred during a traffic stop when an ICE agent shot Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, who is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The shooting has led to protests in Austin and demands from local officials for an independent investigation.</p><p>LULAC CEO Juan Peruano stated, "Wilber is a victim of the shooting and the most important witness to it. You do not deport the key witness to your own officers' use of force." According to Garces Perez's attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, he was delivering DoorDash when an unmarked vehicle sideswiped him, leading to a pursuit by ICE agents.</p><p>Lincoln-Goldfinch explained that Garces Perez was unaware the vehicle was operated by ICE and made a U-turn before being pursued. She claimed that he was shot in the back of the neck by agents after they exited their vehicle. Furthermore, she alleged that he did not receive adequate medical care following the shooting, with a bullet remaining lodged in his body for hours.</p><p>Garces Perez, who entered the U.S. in 2024 through the CBP One app and had a work permit, reportedly received a removal order after a notice for his immigration hearing was sent to an outdated address. His attorney criticized the federal agents' accounts of the incident, asserting that ICE officials do not provide truthful information.</p><p>Representative Lloyd Doggett supported these claims, stating that federal immigration officials lack credibility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Garces Perez is an illegal immigrant from Venezuela with a final order of removal, stating he was shot during a law enforcement operation. DHS added that Garces Perez is in federal custody pending removal.</p>