The Austin Police Department has shared body camera footage showing the arrest of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan in the U.S. illegally. He was shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers before his arrest over the weekend.
Three videos released illustrate the police response to the shooting on Sunday. In one video, sounds of three gunshots are audible. Another video captures police arriving at the scene, spotting Garces Perez in his vehicle, holding his left shoulder, apparently in pain.
Officers, using body cameras, helped Garces Perez out of his car. This challenges claims that agents forcibly removed him. An officer asked for shears to cut Garces Perez’s shirt for medical examination.
Garces Perez, reportedly delivering a DoorDash order, executed a U-turn under a highway before being pursued by ICE. His lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, alleges that an unmarked truck chased and sideswiped Perez’s vehicle before the shooting occurred.
Garces Perez had a final removal order. Lincoln-Goldfinch argues it was issued after a hearing notice went to an old address, despite his address being updated in court records.
ICE clarified that Garces Perez’s work permit expiration in 2025 does not grant legal U.S. status. After hospital release, Garces Perez was taken to an ICE detention center, where ICE denies any indiscriminate targeting.
“This individual was subject to a targeted vehicle stop,” stated ICE. “Being illegally in the U.S. makes one a target for immigration enforcement. Resisting arrest poses risk to officers, undocumented individuals, and the public. Resisting arrest is a felony and federal crime. Sanctuary policies encouraging such behavior endanger all.”
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