A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot a DoorDash driver in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, sparking protests and calls for an independent investigation.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, was making a delivery when he was shot in the torso, according to his lawyer. DoorDash confirmed he was working on an order at the time.
Perez was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition before being released into ICE custody.
Exactly what happened before the shooting remains unclear.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said preliminary information suggested there had been a short foot pursuit. Local police were not involved in the ICE operation.
Photos from the scene showed a damaged Toyota Corolla with what appeared to be bullet holes in its rear window.
Perez’s lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, said he previously had a valid work permit and entered the US legally.
Federal law enforcement sources, however, told CBS Newsthat Perez was in the country illegally and had a final deportation order.
His lawyer has not confirmed his current immigration status.
The shooting quickly drew protesters to the area, while Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called for local police to be involved in the investigation.
Homeland Security Investigations, which is itself part of ICE, is leading the probe with assistance from the FBI.
2026-09-21 21:57:00
