The Austin Police Department has shared body camera recordings related to a recent incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. On Tuesday, footage was released showing the arrest of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, who was shot by ICE officers in Austin, Texas.
The videos provide insights into the local police response following the shooting, which took place as ICE agents attempted to detain Garces Perez. The recordings capture the sound of three gunshots and show Garces Perez sitting in his vehicle, clutching his left shoulder, indicating pain.
Austin Incident Details
Contrary to claims that ICE agents forcibly removed Garces Perez, the footage reveals officers aiding him out of his vehicle before arresting him. An officer is seen asking for scissors to cut Garces Perez’s shirt to assess his injuries. In Spanish, an officer inquires whether Garces Perez possesses any firearms, to which he responds, “No.” Garces Perez reportedly sustained one gunshot wound.
The event unfolded as Garces Perez was delivering a DoorDash order. He made a U-turn beneath a highway before a pursuit by ICE agents in an unmarked vehicle. Garces Perez’s lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, alleged the truck sideswiped his vehicle before the shooting.
Legal and Community Reactions
Authorities confirmed Garces Perez had a final removal order. Lincoln-Goldfinch highlighted that this order was issued after a hearing notice was sent to an outdated address, despite Garces Perez updating his address with the court.
ICE has countered reports regarding the incident and Garces Perez’s legal standing, stating his work permit is valid until 2025, but this does not grant legal status in the U.S. ICE reported that Garces Perez was discharged from the hospital to an ICE detention center shortly after, disputing claims of indiscriminate targeting.
ICE’s Stance on Enforcement
In a statement, ICE explained Garces Perez was targeted as part of a vehicle stop due to his illegal status in the U.S. The agency emphasized the dangers of resisting arrest, which poses risks to officers, illegal aliens, and the public. ICE criticized local politicians for fostering behavior that enhances these risks.