The recent shooting of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old DoorDash delivery driver from Venezuela, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Austin, Texas, has brought the total number of shootings by federal immigration agents in 2026 to eleven. This year has seen a marked increase in enforcement activities under the Trump administration, leading to several high-profile incidents.
Impact of Policy Changes
Since the beginning of 2026, immigration enforcement has intensified. This escalation is linked to expanded federal operations like Minnesota’s ‘Operation Metro Surge’, which increased the presence of ICE and other federal agents in various communities. These operations have led to numerous confrontations and shootings, particularly in the first few months of the year.
Notable Incidents
Renée Good, Minneapolis, MN
Shot: 1/7/2026 | Fatal: Yes | Agency: ICE
Renée Good, aged 37, was fatally shot during an ICE operation. Officials claimed her vehicle posed a threat, prompting widespread protests and critical scrutiny of ICE operations.Luis David Nino Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, Portland, OR
Shot: 1/8/26 | Fatal: No | Agency: CBP
Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras were shot by a Border Patrol agent. Both incidents led to public protests and several investigations.Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, Minneapolis, MN
Shot: 1/14/26 | Fatal: No | Agency: ICE
Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg during an ICE operation. Video evidence later questioned the official account, resulting in legal actions against the ICE officer involved.Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, MN
Shot: 1/24/26 | Fatal: Yes | Agency: CBP
Pretti, a nurse in Minneapolis, was observing federal activities when shot by CBP personnel. The case drew significant attention and resulted in a protracted investigation.
Other Significant Cases
Other incidents include Patrick Gary Schlegel being shot near the Arizona border, Blu Zeke Daly in New Hampshire, and Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez during a traffic stop in California. Federal accounts of these shootings often conflicted with other witnesses, adding to the controversy.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Houston, TX
Shot: 7/7/26 | Fatal: Yes | Agency: ICE
Salgado Araujo was shot in Houston after allegedly attempting to harm an officer. His family and witnesses contested the federal narrative.Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, Biddeford, ME
Shot: 7/13/26 | Fatal: Yes | Agency: ICE
Guerrero was killed during a traffic stop linked to a search warrant. Although not the warrant’s target, his death sparked significant concern.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez’s case highlights ongoing tensions. Shot and wounded in Austin, he was labeled an “illegal alien” by a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. The circumstances surrounding his shooting remain under investigation.
These incidents illustrate the complexities and challenges faced by federal immigration enforcement agencies. Moving forward, the focus remains on balancing effective policy enforcement with community safety and human rights considerations.