Recent videos on social media have unveiled further details about the shooting of 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin. This incident happened around 1 p.m. near Anderson Square and Research Boulevard, on Austin’s north side. Garces Perez, identified by immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, was delivering food for DoorDash when he was shot and injured by a federal officer.
DoorDash confirmed his status as a DoorDasher during the shooting and stated they are investigating the situation. They emphasized that all Dashers are independent contractors. Whether Garces Perez was the target of an immigration operation remains unclear. Lincoln-Goldfinch mentioned he entered the U.S. legally through a parole program and sought asylum. She did not disclose his current immigration status.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson identified Garces Perez as an ‘illegal alien’ with a ‘final order of removal.’ They noted his entry under the Biden administration. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed local police were not involved, mentioning a ‘small foot pursuit’ before the shooting.
Bystander Videos Show Shooting and Aftermath
Videos recorded by media and bystanders provide insights into the event. Heidi Ann Clark, an Austin resident, was livestreaming near the scene when she captured an unmarked SUV skidding to a halt near Garces Perez’s blue Toyota Corolla. An ICE agent exited the SUV, rushing toward the Corolla while holding a gun. A siren blared as three gunshots were heard.
Another video by Celena Ramos depicted the scene after police arrived and closed off the area. A third video shared by Austin Council Member Mike Siegel’s office showed the aftermath. An agent exited a black vehicle to approach the car as witnesses questioned why Garces Perez was shot and demanded medical help. The driver remained in his seat, holding his chest, as bystanders yelled for assistance.
Amidst the chaos, witnesses accused the authorities of excessive force. Police eventually retrieved medical supplies, revealing a gunshot wound to Garces Perez’s left shoulder. Bystanders continued to express their outrage.
City on Edge After Shooting
Lincoln-Goldfinch relayed that Garces Perez’s wife was denied access at Dell Seton Medical Center. They learned of his stable condition after Austin Mayor Kirk Watson requested information. The attorney speculated about his transfer to a federal detention center. This shooting, following an incident involving another ICE-related fatality in Houston, has stirred anger amongst Austin’s officials. Watson criticized the actions, calling for local police involvement in the investigation.
U.S. Representative Greg Casar, in a social media post, called for preventing the deportation of Garces Perez, highlighting his importance as a witness to the shooting and stressing the need for his medical care.
A DHS spokesperson reiterated Garces Perez’s status as an ‘illegal alien,’ stating that Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI are leading the investigation. Garces Perez is in federal custody, pending removal.