ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Texas as locals demand answers
Protesters have gathered in Austin, Texas where local officials said a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and wounded a man in the Texas capital.
In Austin, Texas, a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and wounded a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, in the city's capital. The incident occurred on Sunday around 1300 local time, and Garces Perez was taken to the hospital, as reported by his lawyer to US media. Local officials are demanding answers from federal authorities and are seeking a probe that would be independent of ICE.
The mayor and police have called for an investigation, following a similar incident in Houston earlier this year, where an ICE officer killed a man. Both cases have sparked protests in Austin, with locals demanding that ICE leave the city and demanding details about the shooting. Mayor Kirk Watson expressed concern over the surge in ICE operations in Austin recently and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability.
The victim's wife called ICE while in the hospital, and she confirmed his presence in ICE custody to National Public Radio. ICE has faced intense scrutiny due to a series of deadly shootings, including the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, who was shot during an ICE traffic stop. Texas Congressman Greg Casar has also demanded a full and immediate independent investigation, as well as the release of body camera footage.
The Trump administration has defended its immigration enforcement efforts, but rights activists have criticized the administration for violating free speech and due process rights.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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