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Venezuelan man shot by ICE in Texas says he’s in pain and still has bullet in his back
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a Venezuelan DoorDash driver, was shot by an ICE officer in Austin during a traffic stop and remains in immigration detention with a bullet lodged near his spine, reportedly without adequate medical care.
- Garcés Pérez missed his immigration court hearing due to a notice sent to an old address, leading to a deportation order in absentia despite his claim of seeking asylum and legally entering the U.S.
- Video footage shows the incident involving a vehicle pursuit, gunshots, and Garcés Pérez being handcuffed with a visible bullet wound, sparking demands from lawmakers and advocates for his release and medical treatment.
- Local officials and ICE critics call for an independent investigation amid concerns over increased ICE enforcement and recent fatal shootings by ICE officers in Texas.
- Austin police are conducting an impartial investigation, while DHS has confirmed Garcés Pérez is in stable condition and in federal custody pending removal but has not addressed details about the officer's body camera or the operation's nature.
