ICE agent shoots Venezuelan man in Austin / Mayor calls for local investigation

An agent with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, ICE, shot a man during a vehicle stop in northern Austin, Texas. The victim was wounded once in the chest area, and local police did not participate in the operation or at the time of the shooting.

The incident occurred after ICE agents requested assistance in a vehicle pursuit. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the request was received at around 12:50 p.m., but its agents arrived after the shooting had taken place.

The family’s attorney identified the victim as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan. The man was taken to hospital but was later placed in ICE custody. It was unclear whether he was still hospitalized or had been transferred.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called for local police to be involved in the investigation, saying ICE should not investigate the case alone. Similar requests were made by the district attorney and Congressman Greg Casar.

Approximately 100 people protested at the scene. The investigation is taking place amid intensified ICE operations, which reported more than 50,000 arrests in a single month, in July and August.