Full Breakdown
ICE Bodycam Footage Shows Shooting of Venezuelan Migrant in Austin
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Body-camera video released by the Austin Police Department shows the arrest of 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, an undocumented Venezuelan who was shot while ICE agents attempted to take him into custody. The footage captures three gunshots, followed by an officer arriving at the scene and finding Garces Perez hunched over in the driver’s seat, clutching his left shoulder.
Police and ICE Response
The video shows officers wearing body cameras assisting Garces Perez out of his vehicle, contradicting earlier claims that ICE agents had removed him alone. An officer is heard requesting shears to cut open his shirt and examining a gunshot wound. In Spanish, an officer asks, “¿Tiene armas?” and Garces Perez replies that he does not. ICE later issued a statement describing the stop as “targeted” and noting that his work permit, which expires in 2025, does not confer legal status. The agency also said Garces Perez was released from the hospital and transferred to an ICE detention facility a few hours later, where he slept on a bed.
Attorney Claims and Legal Context
Garces Perez’s attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, alleges that an unmarked truck pursued her client, sideswiped his vehicle, and that the final order of removal was mailed to an outdated address despite his having updated it with the court. She contends the pursuit and subsequent shooting were unnecessary.
Broader Policy Context
The incident occurs as ICE resumes nationwide traffic stops under a new policy that mandates the use of body-camera footage for such encounters. The policy aims to increase transparency in immigration enforcement actions.
Current Status
Following the shooting, Garces Perez was treated at a local hospital, released, and placed in ICE custody. No further updates on his medical condition or any pending legal proceedings have been provided.