ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, sparking demands for full investigation

Key Points:

• A federal immigration agent shot and wounded 28-year-old Venezuelan national Wilber Rafael Garces Perez in Austin, Texas, on Sunday; he was reportedly shot once in the torso and is in serious but stable condition.
• Garces Perez, who was working for DoorDash at the time, was released from the hospital into ICE custody, with his family expressing concern over lack of information and access to him.
• The shooting may have involved a foot pursuit and possibly the ICE agent ramming Garces Perez's car before firing multiple shots; Austin police were not involved but are cooperating with ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which will lead the investigation with FBI assistance.
• The transfer of investigative responsibility from the FBI to HSI for ICE-involved shootings marks a significant change, raising questions about transparency and accountability, as HSI is part of ICE itself.
• Local officials and lawmakers, including Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, have called for a full, independent investigation and the release of body camera footage, citing concerns over ICE’s credibility and past incidents of excessive force.