ICE agent shoots man in Austin

A federal immigration agent shot and injured Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, a Venezuelan national, during an operation in Austin on Sunday. He was in serious but stable condition and in federal custody pending removal.

Victim's wife denied hospital access

The man's attorney said he called his wife to report he'd been shot inside his car. When she went to Dell Seton Medical Center, hospital staff told her they couldn't confirm he was there because he was in ICE custody.

“We have been informed that if he's in ICE custody, they will decline to confirm that he's here.”

At least two bullet holes in car

Austin Councilmember Mike Siegel saw the man's vehicle had at least two bullet holes on the passenger side. Video from the scene showed at least one person in civilian clothes put in handcuffs.

Officials call for independent investigation

Austin Councilmember Mike Siegel said he hopes to investigate what happened and prosecute any ICE officer who committed a crime. Congressman Greg Casar demanded an independent investigation.

“My hope today is that we can investigate what happened, and if an ICE officer committed a crime that they will be fully prosecuted.”

Pattern of ICE shootings this year

This is at least the second ICE shooting in Texas this year. In July, agents in Houston shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, during a traffic stop. He was not the target of the warrant.

Past DHS claims contradicted by video

Congressman Casar pointed to the deadly shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this year, where video footage disproved DHS claims that she tried to run over ICE agents with her vehicle.

“Over and over, ICE has shot people and then lied about what happened.”

DHS leading investigation into shooting

The Department of Homeland Security said it was leading the investigation into the officer involved in the shooting. The agency did not immediately respond to requests for details about what led to the incident.