Austin Police Release Bodycam Footage of ICE Shooting Aftermath
Footage shows officers assisting a wounded Venezuelan migrant and contradicts claims of rough handling.
The Austin Police Department has released body camera footage depicting the immediate aftermath of a shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and a Venezuelan migrant. The incident occurred Sunday when ICE attempted to take 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez into custody.
Three short video clips released Tuesday show Austin police officers arriving at the scene. In one video, the sounds of what appear to be three gunshots can be heard. Another clip shows Garces Perez seated in the driver's seat of his vehicle, appearing to be in pain and holding his left shoulder.
Contrary to some claims, the footage shows officers assisting Garces Perez out of his vehicle. An officer is heard asking if Garces Perez possesses any firearms, to which he replies, "No." Another officer notes, "He's got… looks like one gunshot wound so far." An officer is also heard requesting shears to cut open Garces Perez's shirt to examine his injuries.
Garces Perez was reportedly making a DoorDash delivery when the incident occurred. His attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, stated that an unmarked truck sideswiped her client's vehicle before he was shot. Authorities have confirmed that Garces Perez had a final order of removal and that his work permit expired in 2025. ICE stated that holding a work permit does not confer legal status in the United States.
ICE has disputed rumors surrounding the shooting, asserting that Garces Perez was the subject of a "targeted vehicle stop" because he was in the U.S. illegally. The agency also noted that Garces Perez was released from the hospital and taken to an ICE detention facility the same day.
"Resisting officers and evading arrest is dangerous for our officers, illegal aliens, and the public," an ICE statement read. "We remind the public that resisting officers and evading arrest is a felony and a federal crime. Sanctuary politicians need to stop encouraging this dangerous behavior that puts our officers and the public at risk."