Judge Blocks Deportation of Venezuelan Shot by ICE Officer

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan citizen who was shot in the back of the neck by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Austin. The shooting occurred over the weekend while Perez was delivering a DoorDash order and being pursued by agents. The officer involved was reportedly a new recruit who was not wearing a body camera during the incident.

Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch filed a federal lawsuit to secure the block, ensuring Perez can receive medical care for a bullet still lodged in his body and attend a September 30 hearing. While the Department of Homeland Security stated Perez was an illegal alien with a final removal order, his attorney claims he held a work permit and had sought asylum.

The incident sparked violent protests in North Austin, coordinated by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, the Democratic Socialists of America, and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked roadways and attacked police with rocks and bottles, resulting in three arrests and minor injuries to three Austin police officers.

Local officials, including Mayor Kirk Watson and Representative Greg Casar, condemned the agency's actions. Over 100 members of Congress and Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza have called for Perez's release and the preservation of evidence. In response to the controversy, the Department of Homeland Security released a list of other illegal immigrants in Texas arrested for serious crimes, including murder and terrorism.