Venezuelan Man Shot by ICE Says Bullet Remains in Back

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan man, stated on Monday that he is suffering from a gunshot wound with the bullet still lodged in his back. Speaking via speakerphone to reporters in Austin, Perez described being in significant pain and alleged that he is not receiving adequate medical attention while held at a federal facility.

His attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, confirmed that Perez is being detained at the South Texas ICE Processing Center, located approximately 130 miles southwest of Austin. She indicated that he is currently undergoing questioning by agents, while Perez himself claimed he was released from a hospital within four hours of his arrival despite his injuries.

Conflicting Accounts of the Encounter

Perez claims he was working as a food delivery driver on Sunday when his vehicle was sideswiped by agents who he said did not identify themselves or activate emergency lights. He asserts that an agent shot him while he was still inside the car, denying that there was any foot chase. This narrative directly contradicts the initial report from Austin police, who stated on Sunday that Perez ran from the agents.

According to The New York Times, citing federal investigation sources, agents were conducting license plate checks when they identified a final order of removal for Perez. The report suggests that after a brief chase and a sideswipe incident following a traffic stop, a shooting occurred. However, Lincoln-Goldfinch noted on CNN that this account does not match the details provided by her client.

Federal Response and Medical Claims

Neither the Immigration and Customs Enforcement nor the Department of Homeland Security responded to specific requests for comment on Monday regarding the circumstances of the shooting. On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security released a written statement confirming that Perez was in the United States illegally and held a final removal order, but it omitted details about the use of force.

Perez alleges that doctors at the hospital told him ICE agents were rushing to transfer him to the detention center. He stated that he has been forced to sleep on the floor of the facility and that his pain management is insufficient. These claims highlight the ongoing tension regarding the treatment and conditions of individuals in federal immigration custody.

Broader Context of Recent Incidents

This incident adds to a series of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration officials this year. Previous events, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota, sparked widespread public backlash and scrutiny of agency protocols. The cumulative effect of these events has intensified debates over the conduct of federal agents in the field.

According to recent reports, more than 50 individuals have died in ICE detention since the current administration returned to office last year. As the investigation into Perez’s shooting continues, attention will likely remain on the discrepancies between federal narratives and the testimony of those involved, as well as the broader implications for immigration enforcement practices.