Democrats Face Backlash Over Swift Criticism of ICE Following Austin Shooting

Democrats in Austin, Texas, are facing criticism for their swift condemnation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a shooting incident involving an ICE officer and a man identified as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez. The criticism stems from elected officials speaking out against ICE moments after the shooting, before an investigation into the incident had been completed.

Among those who spoke out were U.S. Representative Greg Casar, Councilman Mike Siegel, and Mayor Kirk Watson. Casar, during a press conference, described the event as "awful" and stated that the "message remains that for Austin to be safe, ICE should end its surge here in our community." His remarks were highlighted on social media by the White House Rapid Response account.

These statements quickly drew backlash online, particularly from conservatives who accused the Democrats of expressing outrage selectively, especially concerning crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Tricia McLaughlin, former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs, questioned the lack of similar outcry over past violent crimes allegedly committed by immigrants, referencing a case in Texas where an undocumented immigrant was accused of a brutal murder.

Townhall's Amy Curtis suggested on X that this rhetoric indicates Democrats "want to destroy this nation" and urged voters to "remember this in November." Texas Republican State Representative Andy Hopper stated on X that such rhetoric should be "disqualifying for any elected official," adding, "You cannot faithfully take the oath of office and be for open borders."

Dennis Farris, president of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, expressed less surprise at Casar's reaction, describing him as a "bomb thrower" known for making statements before having all the facts. Farris was more surprised by Mayor Watson's "visceral reaction," noting that Watson is typically more measured. Farris believes Watson's comments, made as the city's leader, raised the temperature in Austin and made the situation worse.

Mayor Watson's social media post about the incident was reportedly "ratioed," receiving a significant number of negative comments and quote tweets. Austin attorney Adam Loewy referenced former Mayor Steve Adler's tenure during the 2020 George Floyd riots, suggesting Watson might be making a similar misstep.

Farris also challenged the notion that ICE is "surging" in Austin, stating that federal immigration authorities have conducted deportations in the city for decades. He suggested the heightened reaction is tied to political opposition to former President Trump and the current administration.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Austin Police reported that three people were arrested, several police vehicles were damaged, and two officers were injured during protests where participants allegedly threw rocks and bottles. Department of Homeland Security sources confirmed to Fox News that Garces Perez is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela with a final order of removal who had entered the U.S. under the Biden administration. The agency stated he was shot during a law enforcement operation.

However, Garces Perez's attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, stated on X that her client entered the U.S. lawfully through a port of entry via the CBPOne app seeking asylum and was issued a work permit. She explained that a missed court hearing, due to a notice sent to the wrong address, led to the deportation order and that she is working to resolve the matter, expecting his release and the resolution of his immigration case. She also indicated plans to hold agencies accountable.