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Judge Blocks Garces Perez Deportation After ICE Shooting

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 2:28 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

ICE Officer Shoots

ICE officer shot Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, in the back during a North Austin traffic stop.
U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia temporarily blocked Garces Perez’s deportation and set a Sept. 30 hearing.
Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch filed a federal lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order and Garces Perez’s release.
Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) said Garces Perez has no criminal record and urged ICE’s removal from Austin.

Summary

Travis DA Requests Pause

Travis County District Attorney asked Department of Homeland Security to pause removal proceedings while shooting investigation continues.
Perez said he was forced to sleep on a floor at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center.
Department of Homeland Security said Perez was not forced to sleep on the floor and was receiving medication.
Around 100 anti-ICE protesters gathered outside the Texas Capitol on Sunday after the shooting.

Summary

ICE Boosts Arrests

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have intensified solo enforcement, reducing reliance on 287(g) agreements in Texas and Florida.
ICE shifted from Texas Department of Public Safety traffic stops to independent pursuits in recent months.
ICE recorded over 50,000 arrests in both July and August, a historic agency high.
The Austin shooter completed a 256-hour deportation course in August 2025, scoring 99.2% on the pistol test.

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ICE Officer Shoots

ICE officer shot Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, in the back during a North Austin traffic stop.
U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia temporarily blocked Garces Perez’s deportation and set a Sept. 30 hearing.
Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch filed a federal lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order and Garces Perez’s release.
Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) said Garces Perez has no criminal record and urged ICE’s removal from Austin.

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