A Venezuelan man working as a DoorDash driver was shot and wounded by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in North Austin, Texas, on September 20, according to city officials. Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was shot in the torso shortly before 1 p.m. and was later taken into federal custody.

The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said there may have been a foot chase involving the ICE agent, but emphasized that the information was preliminary. Video from a witness appeared to show an officer running toward a vehicle before gunshots were heard.

The Department of Homeland Security said Garces Perez was an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant with a final removal order and that he remained in federal custody pending removal. His immigration attorney disputed some aspects of his status, saying the family understood that he had previously held a valid work permit and had entered the United States lawfully.

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has requested an independent investigation, while Austin police and the Texas Rangers are also expected to participate. The shooting prompted protests near the scene, with demonstrators criticizing ICE operations and calling for greater accountability.

Source: CNN – Venezuelan DoorDash driver shot and wounded by ICE agent in Austin