Full Breakdown
ICE Shooting of Venezuelan Delivery Driver in Austin
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 20, 2026, ICE agents shot Wilmer Rafael Garces Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash driver, while he was driving a blue Toyota Corolla on Austin’s north side. The agent fired three rounds into his torso; a bullet remained lodged near his spine. Garces Pérez was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center, released into ICE custody, and transferred to the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall later that night. He reported ongoing pain, loss of sensation on his left side, and no pain medication while detained.
Background & Context
The shooting occurred amid a surge in ICE street arrests during President Donald Trump’s second term. July 7 2026 saw the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, and ICE reported more than 50,000 monthly arrests—a historic high. Texas’ San Antonio jurisdiction, which includes Austin, has recorded one of the largest increases in field-based arrests. The rise follows the termination of the CBP One parole program, which had allowed legal entry for many Venezuelan asylum seekers, including Garces Pérez.
Data & Statistics
- ICE’s July–August 2026 arrests exceeded 50,000 per month.
- In Q3 FY 2026, nearly 90,300 removal orders were issued in absentia for asylum applicants.
- Since the start of the second Trump term, more than 20 people have been shot by ICE or CBP agents, eight of whom died.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS released a statement on September 20, 2026 confirming Garces Pérez was “in stable condition” and “in federal custody pending removal.” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called for an independent investigation. Police Chief Lisa Davis described the incident as a “small foot pursuit” and pledged an impartial inquiry, noting local officers were not involved in the stop. Representative Greg Casar (D-TX) demanded a full investigation and release of any body-camera footage. LULAC urged congressional oversight of DHS and ICE.
Criticism & Opposition
Civil-rights leaders have challenged the agency’s handling of the case. Roman Palomares, LULAC chair and national president, said, “No agency should be the sole judge of its own conduct.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Bystander videos show an unmarked black SUV sideswiping the driver’s car, an ICE agent exiting, and firing three shots through the passenger-side window. Witnesses said the driver shouted he was being shot because he “didn’t want to stop.” After the shooting, officers cut open the driver’s shirt, handcuffed him, placed a waist chain, and escorted him to a hospital. Protesters gathered within hours, waving flags and demanding ICE’s removal from Austin.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Accounts differ on whether the vehicle was stopped before the shooting. Some say ICE agents identified themselves and attempted a traffic stop; the driver’s testimony claims no lights or sirens were used before the sideswipe. Chief Davis mentioned a “small foot pursuit,” while ICE officials have not confirmed whether the driver complied with a stop request or whether the officer wore a body camera.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Garces Pérez’s attorney filed a federal petition seeking release from detention and a stay on removal while a U-visa application is considered. Homeland Security Investigations, assisted by the FBI, leads the federal investigation; the Travis County District Attorney’s office and Austin police have requested co-equal partnership. Community groups plan additional protests and are pressing for legislation requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and for independent oversight of immigration enforcement.