ICE agent shoots immigrant in Austin, per local officials
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Law enforcement stand next to a vehicle that was shot at on Sunday by at least one ICE agent in Austin. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
A federal immigration agent shot and injured a man in North Austin on Sunday, according to authorities, leading to protests into the evening.
Why it matters: Austin became the latest scene of violence involving ICE agents as President Trump pushes to boost deportations.
The latest: As of 10pm last night, Austin police had arrested some protesters gathered at the site of the shooting and after state troopers fired pepper balls into a crowd, per CBS Austin.
Zoom in: Austin immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, who said she is representing the injured man, identified him as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, per CBS News. (She has also spelled his first name as Wilbur in her social media posts.)
- She said he was shot in his car while making a DoorDash delivery — and had no criminal history, per the Austin American-Statesman. She said he has lived in Austin about two years.
- He was released from Dell Seton Medical Center at about 4:30pm and transferred to ICE custody, Lincoln-Goldfinch posted on social media.
- As of Sunday evening, his family did not know where he was being held, she posted.
Catch up quick: The shooting occurred at about 1pm, at the intersection of Anderson Square and U.S. 183 (Research Boulevard).
- Chief of Austin-Travis County EMS Robert Luckritz said at the news conference that he believed the man suffered one gunshot wound, to the torso, and was in serious condition.
What they're saying: "I am very angry and extremely disappointed that a person was shot on the streets of Austin by ICE," Austin Mayor Kirk Watson posted on X.
- "With the rogue nature of ICE and the chaos we're seeing fomented by ICE, there's no reason to be surprised. Austinites have a right to know what happened and they have a right to feel safe in their community."
- U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) wrote to the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security calling for "an immediate, independent investigation" — and has demanded ICE leave Austin.
The other side: Federal authorities will investigate the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security said Sunday night.
- "The illegal alien's condition is stable, and he is in federal custody pending removal," per a post from DHS.
Reality check: Local officials have been able to exert little power over ICE agents, who have operated in major cities from Chicago to New York — and Austin — despite opposition.
Zoom out: The shooting comes less than three months after an ICE agent shot and killed a Mexican national and longtime Houston resident who was driving to work.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a comment from the Department of Homeland Security.