DHS Accuses Democrats, Media of Spreading Lies About ICE Shooting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused Democrats and members of the media of disseminating false information regarding a recent officer-involved shooting in Austin, Texas, asserting that such narratives will not impede the agency's immigration enforcement operations.

The incident involved Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national identified by DHS as an illegal immigrant. Perez was shot by an ICE agent during a pursuit and subsequently arrested. He received medical treatment for his injuries and was reported in stable condition.

Following the shooting, over 100 Democratic members of Congress signed a joint letter demanding Perez's release, stating he was not receiving adequate care and still had a bullet lodged in his body. Separately, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, alleged that ICE had forced Perez out of the hospital despite his injuries. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, referred to ICE as "liars with masks" and called for the agency to leave Austin.

DHS responded on social media platform X, stating that "sanctuary politicians and the media wasted no time in spreading lies" and that "no amount of smears and false narratives will slow down ICE from doing its job to arrest illegal aliens from our communities." The agency refuted claims that Perez was denied medical care, asserting he received round-the-clock treatment, including pain medication. DHS also stated that Perez slept in a bed at the detention facility hours after his hospital release.

The agency further disputed statements from Perez's lawyer regarding his legal entry and work permit status. DHS maintained that Perez entered the country illegally under the Biden administration, lacked a valid work permit or protective status, and had a final order of removal from a Department of Justice Immigration Judge.

DHS also addressed reports that Perez was denied pain medication and made to sleep on the floor, asserting that he is receiving medical care and slept in a bed after his hospital release. The agency affirmed that ICE "will not be slowing down nor leaving Austin."

"DHS is tasked with enforcing the laws passed by Congress. We do not pick and choose which laws to enforce or where to enforce them. We will continue to enforce our nation’s laws," a DHS statement read.

Former acting ICE Director Jonathan Fahey suggested that some political criticism might be intentional. "The irony of it all is, with these ICE incidents, it's not just coincidental that the Democrats are against ICE performing their function of enforcing immigration laws… they don't want them actually doing their jobs," Fahey told Fox News Digital. He posited that the Democratic Party's objective is an open border and mass amnesty, and that their response to the Austin incident indicates a desire for no enforcement rather than responsible enforcement.

Fahey also commented on Casar's demands for evidence preservation and agent suspension, calling an early congressional briefing before an investigation is complete a "distraction." He suggested that such briefings would be more appropriate after DHS concludes its investigation, adding that evidence preservation would likely occur regardless.

The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws as passed by Congress. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, according to Perez's attorney.