US judge blocks deportation of Venezuelan man shot by ICE

A US judge has issued a temporary block on the deportation of Wilber Rafael Garcés Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Texas. Garcés Perez is currently being held in a detention center with a bullet lodged in his back, according to his lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch.

Judge Orlando Garcia, who has scheduled an in-person court appearance for Garcés Perez next week, issued the order, meaning he cannot be deported before then. Lincoln-Goldfinch filed a federal lawsuit to prevent his removal. She stated on social media that securing the temporary block was an important step, but that her work continues to ensure Garcés Perez receives medical care and his rights are protected.

Lincoln-Goldfinch reported that the gunshot fractured Garcés Perez's clavicle, causing significant swelling and pain, and he is currently wearing a sling. The extent of any loss of movement has not yet been determined. She also stated that he was handled roughly during his transfer to a detention facility, despite his injury, and was moved from an infirmary to an isolated room.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed it is investigating the incident but has not confirmed if the migrant was shot in the back. Texas lawmaker Joaquin Castro, a Democrat, has called for Garcés Perez's release from detention. The shooting occurred shortly before Sunday afternoon, prompting protests demanding ICE leave the city.

According to his lawyer, Garcés Perez was making a DoorDash delivery when an unmarked ICE truck sideswiped his car. Believing it was not an ICE vehicle, he made a U-turn, after which his car was hit again before agents exited the truck and shot him.