Key facts
- Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was shot by an ICE agent on Sunday in Austin, Texas.
- Garces Perez's mother, Flor Perez, spoke to him via video call moments after the shooting.
- Garces Perez remains in ICE detention with a bullet still in his back.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated Garces Perez was the subject of a 'targeted vehicle stop' and was 'resisting officers and evading arrest'.
- US Representative Greg Casar stated Garces Perez needs a doctor, not deportation.
- Garces Perez's attorneys have filed a legal petition for his release.
The mother of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan national shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Austin, Texas, described her son's call to her moments after the incident. Flor Perez told Reuters on Wednesday that her son, Garces Perez, called her via video on Sunday afternoon, stating, "They crashed into my car and shot me." She recalled seeing an officer pull her son from his vehicle by his arm. Four days later, Garces Perez, 28, remains in ICE detention with a bullet still in his back, and his mother has not been able to speak with him.
Federal immigration agents have shot at least 20 people, including 7 fatally, since President Donald Trump took office, leading to protests and accusations that the administration resists accountability. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Garces Perez was the subject of a "targeted vehicle stop" and that "resisting officers and evading arrest is dangerous." Videos of the incident show Garces Perez injured in his car, but not the shooting itself. The officer involved was not wearing a body camera, according to a person familiar with the incident. ICE's acting director had vowed to equip all officers with body-worn cameras by the end of August, following previous fatal shootings during traffic stops.
Flor Perez expressed her concern for her son's well-being, hoping he would receive medical attention to remove the bullet and alleviate his "intense pain." US Representative Greg Casar, who visited Garces Perez at an ICE detention facility, echoed this sentiment, stating the individual needs a doctor, not deportation. Videos released by Austin police show Garces Perez injured and being handcuffed, with a gunshot wound to his upper back visible after his shirt was cut away. DHS stated Garces Perez was receiving medical care around the clock.
Garces Perez entered the US in December 2023 via the CBP One app. DHS indicated his work permit expires in 2025, making him eligible for deportation. His stated goal in the US was to earn money to support his son, who has cerebral palsy and requires costly treatment in Venezuela. Garces Perez's attorneys have filed a legal petition for his release to allow him to participate in the investigation and pursue legal status. His first immigration court hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.