Austin Mayor Kirk Watson criticized the federal agency's conduct and requested an investigation involving city police. The Department of Homeland Security identifies Perez as a Venezuelan national with a final order of removal, whereas his lawyer claims he entered the U.S. legally and held a valid work permit. U.S. lawmakers are pressing authorities to release body camera footage and launch an independent probe.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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ICE Agent Shoots 28 Year Old Venezuelan Man in Austin Sparking Police Tear Gas
US Politics30 days ago
A federal officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement wounded Wilber Rafael Garces Perez on Sept. 20 during an operation in North Austin. Perez was making a DoorDash delivery at the time, his attorney said, and was later hospitalized in stable condition. Officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Austin Police deployed tear gas and pepper balls to clear demonstrators and declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.
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