Austin ICE shooting of Venezuelan delivery driver sparks protests and demands for independent probe

Key points

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was shot in the torso by an ICE agent in Austin on Sunday at approximately 1:00 PM local time.

Perez, a Venezuelan national and DoorDash delivery driver, is in stable condition and currently in federal custody pending removal, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Congressman Greg Casar have demanded an independent investigation and the release of body camera footage, citing a pattern of ICE misconduct.

DHS stated it is investigating the shooting of a man who entered the country illegally, but details remain scarce and the agency has not confirmed the specific circumstances.

Protesters gathered at the scene, some waving flags from Mexico and Guatemala, demanding ICE leave Austin and accountability for the officer involved.

Background

This incident follows a series of violent encounters involving ICE agents in 2026, including the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston in July and the nonfatal shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minnesota in January, which led to charges against ICE agent Christian Castro. The Trump administration has significantly ramped up immigration enforcement during its second term, leading to increased scrutiny and unrest in several US cities. Texas has been working closely with the federal government on immigration issues since President Trump took office.

How outlets are covering it

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that it is investigating the shooting of a man who entered the country illegally and that the victim is in federal custody pending removal. Local officials, including Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Congressman Greg Casar, are demanding an independent investigation and body camera footage, arguing that ICE has a pattern of lying about incidents and that the city has a right to know the truth. Protesters and activists are calling for ICE to leave Austin and for reforms, including requiring agents to wear body cameras and not conceal their faces. Some Republicans, like Florida lawmaker Maria Elvira Salazar, have criticized the targeting of individuals without criminal records but have also expressed support for the president's overall approach to immigration.

Why it matters

The shooting highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding ICE's immigration enforcement tactics, particularly in the context of the Trump administration's increased focus on border security and mass deportations. The incident has sparked demands for accountability and transparency, reflecting broader concerns about due process and the use of force by federal agents. It also underscores the political divisions over immigration policy and the role of local and federal authorities in enforcing it.

What to watch

The Department of Homeland Security is leading the investigation into the shooting, but local officials are pushing for an independent probe. The release of body camera footage and the outcome of the investigation will be critical in determining accountability and potential reforms. The incident may also influence ongoing debates about ICE's tactics and the need for greater transparency and oversight in immigration enforcement.