A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Austin, Texas, prompting protests and calls for an independent investigation.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez (28) was shot in the torso shortly before 1pm on Sunday during a federal immigration operation in north Austin. He was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition and was later released into apparent ICE custody.
Perez was identified by his family’s lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch. She said he was working as a food delivery driver when the incident occurred. His lawyer also disputes the federal government’s account of his immigration status, saying Perez entered the United States legally.
The Department of Homeland Security said Perez had entered the US illegally and was subject to a final removal order. It said Homeland Security Investigations, with FBI assistance, was investigating the shooting. Austin police were not involved in the shooting. Police Chief Lisa Davis said the incident followed a traffic stop and that local authorities had limited information about what happened.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has called for the city’s police department to participate in the investigation, saying an ICE-only investigation would not provide sufficient independent oversight. US Representative Greg Casar also called for a full investigation and greater transparency.
Protests broke out near the shooting scene, with demonstrators carrying signs calling for ICE to leave Austin. Police later used chemical agents to disperse protesters, according to local broadcaster KUT.
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