Wilber Rafael Garces Perez. (Photo: NBC News / Collected)
Welcome to BDUS News 24, your reliable platform for up-to-date international reporting and developing news stories. A high-profile law enforcement incident has sparked major outrage and calls for transparency in Texas, after federal immigration officers shot and seriously injured a man during an operation. Local leaders, community representatives, and legal advocates are demanding an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. ICE officers shoot man in North Austin
ICE Officers Shoot Man During North Austin Operation
The shooting took place on a Sunday afternoon around 12:56 p.m. in the 8000 block of Anderson Square, situated near the intersection with Research Boulevard in North Austin. According to details shared by state and local officials, the confrontation followed a brief foot pursuit involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Local immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch identified the injured individual as 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan national. Federal law enforcement reporting indicates that Garces Perez was in the country with a final order of removal. Following the shooting, he was treated for a gunshot wound to the torso by Austin-Travis County EMS and transported to a local hospital before being discharged into federal ICE custody.
Intense Community Reaction and Independent Investigation Demands
The incident has triggered sharp backlash from local municipal leaders and political figures. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Council Member Mike Siegel expressed deep anger over a federal agency carrying out a shooting on city streets without initial local coordination. While Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that APD was not initially involved, local departments are now working alongside the Texas Rangers to look into the matter.
ICE officers shoot man in North Austin
Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI, have stated that a multi-agency investigation is underway. Meanwhile, congressional representatives like Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, along with state leaders, have sent formal letters demanding body camera footage and complete accountability. As this developing situation continues to unfold, stay tuned to BDUS News 24 for further updates. ICE officers shoot man in North Austin
