Venezan DoorDash Driver Wounded in Austin ICE Shooting
Goldlaner.com – A Venezuelan DoorDash driver shot and wounded during an encounter with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in North Austin remains in federal custody, officials said. The shooting happened Sunday near Research Boulevard and Anderson Square and has prompted calls for a fuller public account of what led to the gunfire.
Officials identified the driver as 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez. He was shot in the torso shortly before 1 p.m. and was later reported to be in stable condition.
DoorDash confirmed that Garces Perez was actively making deliveries at the time. His family is represented by immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, whose office is seeking information about his injury, detention and immigration case.
Videos Capture a Chaotic Roadside Encounter
Video recorded near the busy North Austin intersection shows a sudden and confusing sequence of events. Heidi Clark was livestreaming on Facebook while driving when the sound of screeching tires interrupted the recording.
The camera turned toward an SUV and a blue sedan, where a person appeared to run from the SUV toward the other vehicle. Gunshots were heard moments later.
“Oh my God! Holy f**kin’ sh*t, dude.”
Other footage from the scene appeared to show Garces Perez sitting on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back. His shirt had been cut open, exposing what appeared to be a serious wound in his back.
A blue Toyota Corolla was also damaged, including around the front passenger-side door. The vehicle’s rear window on the right side appeared to have at least two bullet holes.
Federal Agencies Investigate the Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security said Garces Perez is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela with a final order of removal. The agency said he was stable and remained in federal custody while removal proceedings continued.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI. Federal officials had not publicly explained what triggered the confrontation or why the agent fired a weapon.
Lincoln-Goldfinch said she could not independently verify Garces Perez’s immigration status. She said his wife did not know of a final removal order and believed he was still moving through the immigration process.
“What we do understand is that he previously held a valid work permit and that, based on the information available to us, he entered the United States lawfully,” Lincoln-Goldfinch said.
The attorney said her team’s immediate priority was making sure the family receives accurate information and has appropriate access and communication while the matter is addressed.
Key Details Remain Unclear
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said early information suggested there may have been a foot pursuit involving the ICE agent. She stressed that the information was preliminary and that federal officials had not given her a full briefing.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said its troopers were called to help with a vehicle pursuit, but the shooting occurred before they reached the scene. Troopers then assisted with medical care after arriving, the agency said.
It is still unclear whether Garces Perez was the intended target of an ICE operation. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar said the Venezuelan DoorDash driver shot and wounded case reflects a troubling pattern involving immigration officers.
“This is a pattern – it’s a disturbing pattern – and it’s got to stop,” Casar said.
Casar said Garces Perez was released from the hospital and transferred to ICE custody. He argued that deporting him could hinder efforts to establish what happened during the shooting.
“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.”
Austin ICE Shooting FAQ
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting occurred near the intersection of Research Boulevard and Anderson Square in North Austin, Texas.
What is known about the driver’s condition?
Officials said Garces Perez was in stable condition after being shot and later transferred into federal custody.
Who is investigating?
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the inquiry with assistance from the FBI. Austin police and Texas Department of Public Safety officials have also provided information about their involvement at the scene.
Has authorities explained why the ICE agent fired?
No public explanation had been provided about what caused the confrontation or why the agent discharged a weapon.
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