Venezuelan Migrant Shot by ICE Agent in Texas, Lawyer Says

A Venezuelan DoorDash driver was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, according to his lawyer. The man, identified as Garcés Perez, was reportedly in ICE custody after being transferred from a hospital where he was treated for a bullet wound to his back.

Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an attorney representing Perez, told CBS that her client called his wife "yelling in pain" from the hospital. She also stated that he was in ICE custody.

The shooting occurred shortly before 1 p.m. local time. Details remain scarce, but local television reports showed damaged to a blue Toyota Corolla at the scene, with ICE agents present.

Following the incident, dozens of protesters gathered near the scene, some carrying signs that read "ICE Out of Austin" and demanding the agency's departure from the city.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, a Democrat, stated at a press briefing that residents have a right to know what happened and to feel safe. He confirmed that the city will be involved in the investigation and noted an increase in ICE operations in Austin in recent weeks.

This shooting brings renewed scrutiny to ICE, which has been involved in other fatal incidents. In one instance, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Houston resident, was shot during an ICE traffic stop, though he was not a target of an ICE investigation, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Texas Congressman Greg Casar, a Democrat, has called for a full and independent investigation into the shooting, including the release of body camera footage and accountability for any ICE officers who may have broken the law. Activists have criticized the administration's immigration enforcement tactics, alleging violations of due process. Democrats have advocated for reforms, such as requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and not conceal their identities.

In a separate, but related development, the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this month charged an ICE agent with lying about a non-fatal shooting of a Venezuelan migrant in Minnesota. This marked a rare instance of the department accusing a federal agent of unlawful conduct on duty.

Earlier in the week, Republican Florida lawmaker Maria Elvira Salazar, who has previously spoken against immigration crackdowns, released an advertisement criticizing the targeting and detention of individuals without criminal records. Salazar appeared on CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday, stating she had spoken with the president about the matter and believes he understands the situation.

The Trump administration has increased immigration enforcement and arrests, which has led to protests in several U.S. cities. The administration has defended its policies as necessary for public safety and border security, aligning with campaign promises for mass deportations.