Key facts
- Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan man, is hospitalized for paralysis after being shot by ICE agents in Texas.
- Perez alleges he is not receiving adequate medical care and slept on the floor at a detention center.
- The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Perez is in the U.S. illegally and has a final order of removal.
- DHS denied claims that Perez was forced to sleep on the floor and stated he received medical treatment.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan national shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Texas, is hospitalized for paralysis in his left side, according to his attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch. Perez stated he was transferred to an ICE processing facility about 130 miles southwest of Austin after a few hours in the hospital following the shooting.
Perez, 28, alleges he was still bleeding and not receiving adequate medical care, adding that he had to sleep on the floor at the detention center. He recounted that he was working as a DoorDash food delivery driver when his car was sideswiped by agents who he said did not identify themselves or use lights or sirens. Perez stated an agent shot him while he was still in his car, contradicting an Austin police statement that he had run from agents.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Perez was in the U.S. illegally and had a final order of removal. DHS denied claims that Perez was forced to sleep on the floor and stated he received medical treatment, but has not provided details on the shooting and did not respond to requests for comment.