ICE agent shoots and wounds Venezuelan DoorDash driver in Texas

September 21, 2026

A 28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash driver named Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot in the torso by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Austin, Texas, leading to public protests and calls for an independent investigation. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed it is investigating the incident involving someone who had entered the country illegally, though circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. This incident follows several other controversial ICE shootings, including a fatal shooting in Houston and another case in Minnesota where an agent was charged with lying about shooting a Venezuelan migrant.

Who is affected

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez (28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash driver who was shot)
Garces Perez's wife (who received a call from him while he was in pain)
Austin residents/Austinites
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo (Houston resident previously killed by ICE)
Venezuelan migrant in Minnesota (non-fatally shot by ICE agent)
Immigrants and activists concerned about due process violations
Individuals with no criminal records being targeted and detained

What action is being taken

The Department of Homeland Security is investigating the shooting
The city of Austin is involved in the investigation
Protesters are gathering in Austin and demonstrating at the scene
The Trump administration is ramping up immigration enforcement efforts and arrests
ICE operations have surged in Austin in recent weeks
Democrats are demanding reforms at ICE, including body camera requirements

Why it matters

This incident highlights growing tensions around immigration enforcement tactics during the Trump administration's expanded crackdown. The shooting raises serious questions about the use of force by federal immigration agents, accountability mechanisms, and due process protections for immigrants. The situation is particularly significant because it represents a pattern of violent encounters between ICE agents and individuals, including those not targeted for investigation, eroding public trust and raising concerns about civil liberties and public safety in communities where ICE operates.

What's next

An independent probe/investigation will be conducted into the shooting (demanded by mayor and police)
Body camera footage is expected to be released (demanded by Congressman Greg Casar)
A full and immediate independent investigation has been demanded by Texas Congressman Greg Casar
Accountability measures for any ICE officer who broke the law are being sought

Read full article from source: BBC