Austin ICE Shooting: Man Wounded by Immigration Agent Charged With Assaulting Federal Officer
AUSTIN, Texas — A Venezuelan man who was shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin is now facing a federal charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer, according to federal prosecutors.
The man, identified as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was shot during an encounter with ICE officers in Austin on September 20, 2026. Prosecutors have charged him following allegations that he struck an officer with his vehicle while attempting to leave the scene.
Shooting Happened During ICE Encounter
According to a federal criminal complaint, ICE officers approached Garces Perez during a vehicle stop and identified themselves as federal immigration agents. Authorities allege that after being instructed to exit his vehicle, he attempted to leave, and his vehicle’s side mirror struck an officer.
Federal prosecutors allege that after a brief pursuit, Garces Perez attempted to use his vehicle against an ICE officer, leading another agent to fire his weapon and strike him.
Garces Perez was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center for treatment before being transferred into federal custody. Reports indicate he remained hospitalized with injuries from the shooting, with his legal team raising concerns about his medical care after his transfer.
Defense Disputes Government Account
Garces Perez’s attorney has disputed the government’s version of events, saying he did not understand he was being stopped by law enforcement and arguing that the circumstances surrounding the shooting require further investigation.
His legal team has also raised concerns about the shooting officer’s lack of a body-worn camera during the incident. Court documents indicate that one officer had body-camera footage, while the officer who fired the shot did not have a camera recording the encounter.
Federal Case and Immigration Proceedings
If convicted of the federal charge, Garces Perez could face up to 20 years in prison, according to reports on the case. He is also involved in separate immigration proceedings.
A federal judge has temporarily paused his deportation while the legal process continues, allowing his attorneys to pursue further court action.
The incident has drawn public attention in Austin, with officials and community members calling for transparency in the investigation. Local authorities have said Austin police officers were not involved in the shooting itself, while federal authorities continue handling the criminal case involving Garces Perez.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against Garces Perez have not been proven in court.
