DHS said it would not slow Texas ICE operations and would “never apologize” for migrant arrests and removals after an ICE agent shot and wounded Venezuelan Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, 28, in Austin on Sept. 20. His lawyer said he was released from hospital into ICE custody.
Protests erupted in Austin after the shooting. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis initially cited a brief foot pursuit as a factor; Garcés Pérez said there was no foot chase. His attorney said he entered the U.S. in 2024 through the CBP One app, had a work permit and was seeking asylum, but received a deportation order in absentia after a hearing notice went to the wrong address. DHS said his permit expired in 2025 and did not grant legal status.
Garcés Pérez’s attorney said he had no pain medication, while DHS said he was receiving round-the-clock medical care, including pain medication. Rep. Greg Casar claimed Garcés Pérez was in ICE detention with a bullet still in his body; DHS called that claim a “shameless fabrication.”
