Story perspectives

ICE Agent Shot Man in Austin; Federal Probe Announced

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 4:13 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

ICE Agent Shoots

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot Wilber Garces Perez in North Austin, Texas.
About 100 demonstrators gathered at the Texas State Capitol to condemn the shooting.
State Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) demanded answers and release of body-camera footage on X.
Austin police reported minor injuries to several officers after protesters threw rocks and bottles.

Summary

HSI Leads Probe

Homeland Security Investigations will lead the shooting probe, with FBI assistance, according to federal officials.
Councilmember Mike Siegel said the ICE officer rammed the victim’s car before firing at least five shots.
Travis County District Attorney José Pompa Garza requested that local police and prosecutors join the investigation.
Mayor Kirk Watson urged Austin police to participate for clear-eyed, third-party oversight.

History

Historical Context

The 1992 Los Angeles riots erupted after a Simi Valley jury acquitted four LAPD officers for the videotaped beating of Rodney King, killing 63 people and causing over $1 billion in damage during six days of unrest. That episode of police-related violence sparked nationwide demands for oversight, a pattern echoed in the 2024 Austin shooting of ICE agent Wilber Garces Perez, which prompted protests from Mayor Watson and Rep. James Talarico.

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ICE Agent Shoots

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot Wilber Garces Perez in North Austin, Texas.
About 100 demonstrators gathered at the Texas State Capitol to condemn the shooting.
State Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) demanded answers and release of body-camera footage on X.
Austin police reported minor injuries to several officers after protesters threw rocks and bottles.

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