Archive · 21 Sep 2026
ICE Officer Shoots Man in Austin, Prompting Investigation Calls
An ICE officer shot a man in Austin, Texas, after a traffic stop and a short chase on foot.
The man was hit in the torso and taken to a hospital.
Officials said he was seriously hurt but stable.
Authorities initially did not identify either the man or the officer.
An attorney later identified the man as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan man.
Local police were not involved in the shooting, but investigators went to the scene.
The mayor and other officials want local authorities to help investigate what happened.
Critics are asking for video and more information, while the Trump administration says its immigration enforcement campaign is intended to improve domestic security.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot a man in the torso in Austin, Texas, on Sunday shortly before 1 p.m.
Officials said the man was in serious but stable condition after being taken to a hospital.
Authorities said the shooting followed a traffic stop and brief foot pursuit, while Austin police were not involved.
Mayor Kirk Watson and other officials called for an independent investigation involving local police, prosecutors and possibly the Texas Rangers.
The shooting occurred amid increased ICE enforcement, prompting protesters and renewed criticism from Democrats and rights advocates.
- Who
- An unidentified ICE officer shot a man later identified by his family’s attorney as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez; local officials, Representative Greg Casar and other critics responded.
- What
- The officer shot and wounded the man in the torso during an incident involving a traffic stop and brief foot pursuit.
- When
- Sunday, shortly before 1 p.m. local time; one report was dated September 20.
- Where
- North Austin, Texas.
- Why
- The articles do not establish why the officer fired; officials and critics are seeking an independent investigation and greater transparency.
Local Officials and Critics
Trump Administration Position
Who should investigate
Local Officials and Critics
Mayor Kirk Watson, local prosecutors and Democratic lawmakers said local authorities should participate to provide independent oversight rather than leaving the inquiry solely to ICE.
Trump Administration Position
The reports do not provide a direct ICE or Department of Homeland Security response to the proposed investigation.
Transparency and accountability
Local Officials and Critics
Critics called for the release of body-camera or other available footage and accountability if the officer violated the law, citing prior disputes over ICE accounts of shootings.
Trump Administration Position
The reports say President Donald Trump defends the immigration enforcement campaign as an effort to improve domestic security.
Expanded enforcement
Local Officials and Critics
Austin officials, Representative Greg Casar and rights advocates criticized the increase in ICE activity and said the agency should end its surge in Austin.
Trump Administration Position
The administration is pursuing expanded enforcement to increase deportations and reduce illegal immigration, according to the reports.
- Injured man
- Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, according to an attorney representing his family; authorities initially withheld his identity.
- Condition
- Serious but stable after a torso gunshot wound.
- Agency involved
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- Local police role
- Austin police were not involved in the operation or shooting, but local investigators responded to the scene.
- Investigation request
- Mayor Kirk Watson sought participation by Austin police and other local authorities; officials also requested involvement by the Texas Rangers and local prosecutors.
- Transparency demands
- Greg Casar, James Talarico and rights advocates called for an independent investigation and release of available footage.
- Broader context
- The shooting followed an increase in ICE operations and more than 50,000 monthly immigration arrests during July and August, according to the reports.
Sources
ICE shooting in Texas leaves man seriously injured; officials demand independent investigation and transparency
Man Shot by ICE Agent in Austin, Texas, Sparking Mayor’s Ire
ICE Agent Shoots And Wounds Man In Texas, US, Officials Say
