Venezuelan man shot by ICE in Austin returned to detention with bullet still in back
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, shot by ICE while making a DoorDash delivery, was back in federal custody Tuesday despite hospitalization twice.
What to know
- A Venezuelan national making a DoorDash delivery was shot by ICE officers in an unmarked truck in Austin on Sunday; he remains hospitalized with a bullet lodged in his back.
- Despite medical need, Perez was returned to ICE custody twice and placed in a detention facility where court filings allege he slept on concrete and faced interrogation without legal counsel.
- Democratic lawmakers are demanding his release amid a surge in ICE enforcement under Trump's second term; a federal judge ordered him to appear for a removal hearing on Sept. 30.
- DHS is defending the shooting and enforcement actions while providing minimal details about what prompted the use of force.
“He was shot and taken to a hospital, then released into ICE custody with a bullet still in his back.”
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Perez's attorney · Mercury News / Associated Press ↗ · Sep 21
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez 28-year-old Venezuelan man shot by ICEKate Lincoln-Goldfinch Attorney for PerezJoaquin Castro Texas Democratic U.S. Rep.
Greg Casar Texas Democratic U.S. Rep.Department of Homeland Security / ICE Federal enforcement agencyOrlando Garcia U.S. District Judge
How it unfolded 3 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts
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Attorney confirms Perez back in detention, still in pain
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch posted a video on social media Tuesday stating that Perez, held at the Pearsall federal detention facility, was 'still in a lot of pain.' Perez had told reporters he received no pain medication and slept on the floor.
“still in a lot of pain…”
— Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch -
my dad got stopped by ICE, confirmed his status and had him on his way in less the 5 mins. but nah there’s a whole conspiracy dude.
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background
DHS defends ICE, dismisses criticism as 'ludicrous' — The Department of Homeland Security responded on social media to Rep. Casar's remarks, calling them a 'ludicrous statement' and reaffirming ICE's enforcement mission.
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Judge orders Perez to appear in court Sept. 30 — U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered Perez to appear in person at a hearing in San Antonio following a lawsuit seeking to stop his removal.
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Protests erupt in Austin; Democratic lawmakers criticize shooting — A gathering was held outside the Texas Capitol Monday night. Rep. Joaquin Castro announced plans to visit Perez, and Rep. Greg Casar called for ICE to leave Austin.
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Court filings reveal conditions during detention — Perez's lawyers filed documents showing he was forced to sleep on a cement floor at an ICE temporary processing center and at 4 a.m. Monday was transferred to Pearsall facility. He was interrogated without legal representation present.
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Perez returns to hospital with loss of arm sensation
After complaining of pain Monday evening, Perez was taken to hospital around 5 p.m. when he began experiencing loss of sensation in his arm. He was returned to ICE custody around midnight.
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Perez released from hospital into ICE custody with bullet still lodged
After initial hospitalization, Perez was released into ICE custody despite having a bullet remaining in his back, according to his attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch.
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first by Mercury News, 1d ago · also Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, The Independent, Toronto Star
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background
ICE officers shoot Venezuelan DoorDash driver in Austin — Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was shot by ICE officers in an unmarked truck while making a delivery on Sunday afternoon. The officers sideswiped his car twice before shooting him.