Venezuelan Delivery Driver Shot by ICE in Austin Faces Federal Assault Charges

Key points

• Wilber Garcés Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash driver, was shot by an ICE agent during a traffic stop in Austin, Texas, on September 20.
• Federal prosecutors have charged Pérez with assaulting a federal officer, alleging he struck an agent with his car's rear-view mirror and fled the scene.
• Pérez's attorneys argue he was attempting to park safely and are not responsible for the alleged assault, noting he is currently suffering from a lodged bullet and a fractured clavicle.
• A federal judge has ordered Pérez to appear in court on September 30, blocking his immediate deportation.
• The shooting officer did not wear a body camera during the incident, according to The Independent.

Background

This incident follows a series of reports from late September 2026 detailing the federal charges against Wilber Garcés Pérez. Earlier coverage highlighted the dispute between prosecutors and his defense over the events leading to the shooting, with the defense maintaining he was trying to park safely. The case has drawn attention to the lack of body camera footage from the shooting officer and the severe injuries Pérez sustained, including a bullet lodged in his spine.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding ICE enforcement actions and the legal challenges faced by individuals involved in such incidents. The lack of body camera footage and the conflicting accounts of the event raise questions about accountability and the use of force by federal agents.

What to watch

Pérez is scheduled to appear in court on September 30, where the charges against him will be addressed. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for his case and broader discussions on ICE enforcement practices.