Venezuelan migrant shot by ICE in Austin cites lack of medical care: ‘How are they going to leave the bullet in me?’

A Venezuelan man shot by an ICE officer while delivering a DoorDash order in Austin, Texas, remains detained with a bullet still lodged in his back, according to his lawyer. Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was fired upon by the officer after the agent sideswiped his car early Sunday afternoon. Garces Perez was subsequently transported to a hospital and later transferred to a detention center in Pearsall, Texas, approximately two hours from Austin.

The bullet remains in his back due to its location near his spine, and he is reportedly in significant pain. He claims to be held in a cold room without a bed or access to pain medication. The ICE officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, while a DHS spokesperson stated that Garces Perez entered the U.S. using the CBP One app and had a final order of removal.

His lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, emphasized that Garces Perez entered the U.S. legally and was seeking asylum, having received an in absentia deportation order after missing a court hearing. She also highlighted that DHS has terminated parole status for those processed under the CBP One app and urged them to leave immediately.