Story perspectives

ICE Agent Shoots Venezuelan Man in Austin, Investigations Demanded

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

ICE agent shot Venezuelan man Wilber Rafael Garces Perez in Austin on September 20, 2026.
Garces Perez was hit in the torso during a foot chase.
He was hospitalized in serious but stable condition after the shooting.
Mayor Kirk Watson and Rep. Greg Casar demanded independent investigations and release of body-camera footage.
DHS is leading the investigation with FBI assistance.

History

Historical Context

Operation Gatekeeper, announced by Attorney General Janet Reno in September 1994 and launched on October 1, added Border Patrol agents and raised Imperial Beach apprehensions by 1,470 in its first week. In 2026, an ICE officer shot Venezuelan Wilber Rafael Garces Perez in Austin, prompting Mayor Kirk Watson and Rep. Greg Casar to demand independent investigations, reflecting recurring backlash to tougher enforcement.

1 of 2

Story summary

ICE agent shot Venezuelan man Wilber Rafael Garces Perez in Austin on September 20, 2026.
Garces Perez was hit in the torso during a foot chase.
He was hospitalized in serious but stable condition after the shooting.
Mayor Kirk Watson and Rep. Greg Casar demanded independent investigations and release of body-camera footage.
DHS is leading the investigation with FBI assistance.

1 / 2