WILBER RAFAEL GARCES PEREZ SHOT BY ICE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
Written by Michael Thervil
[ICE AUSTIN TEXAS WILBER RAFAEL GARCES PEREZ SHOT ] An Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent (ICE) was involved in a shooting during a traffic stop at roughly 1pm in North Austin, Texas. The suspect's name was Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, from Venezuela and it was reported that he was working as a DoorDash delivery driver. The incident occurred at the intersection of 7000 Anderson Square and U.S. 183.
Wilber Rafael Garces was shot several times with at least one of the rounds landing in his torso, Perez did have a warrant for his arrest to be deported from America according to the Department of Homeland Security. DHS revealed to the Press that Wilber Rafael Garces Perez is “in federal custody pending removal”. Wilber Rafael Garces Perez's wife said she knew nothing about the order for her husband to be deported. Perez is currently being treated at the Dell Seton Medical Center.
This recent shooting by the unnamed ICE Agent drew both protest and anger from residents throughout the City of Austin. Attorney Lincoln-Goldfinch, who is currently representing Perez, stated to the Press that her client had no criminal history and that there wasn’t a final order for removal issued. Austin Congressional Representative Greg Casar (D) also spoke out against the ICE shooting and stated “If ICE deports him, the key witness to their shooting disappears. He must not be removed from this country, and he must receive proper medical care.” He followed up his statement by stating “ICE needs to get out of our city and start telling people the truth. We need the facts in this case to really understand what fully happened, but what we are seeing from ICE in Texas and across the country is unacceptable.” Perez’s Attorney also revealed that her client did in fact enter America lawfully and he had a valid work permit at the time of the shooting.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson also expressed his anger over the shooting. Lisa Davis who serves as the Police Chief for the City of Austin spoke to the Press and said that there might have been a foot chase in which Perez was being pursued and that the Texas State Troopers were called and dispatched at around 12:50, but the shooting occurred before they could reach the scene, Police Chief Davis also issued a cautionary statement by saying that the information was preliminary and that she has been briefed by ICE. It also appeared the Police had a difficult time disputing protestors which led to them firing pepper balls into the crowd and detaining several protestors.
It should be noted that this is a developing story.
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