Venezuelan delivery driver shot by federal immigration agent in Texas undergoes bullet removal surgery
Quick Look
- Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash delivery driver in Austin, Texas, underwent surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his back for nearly two weeks after being shot by a federal immigration agent during an arrest attempt on Sept.
- He remains in custody on assault charges carrying up to 20 years in prison, while his case has sparked protests against Trump-era immigration enforcement.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan DoorDash delivery driver in Austin, was involved in a Sept. 20 incident where he allegedly struck an officer with his car's side mirror while attempting to evade arrest, leading to a shooting by a federal immigration agent.
AUSTIN -- A Venezuelan delivery driver who was shot by a federal immigration agent in Texas had surgery Thursday to remove the bullet lodged in his back for nearly two weeks.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, had appeared in court in a wheelchair on Wednesday, wearing a sling on his arm. He remains in custody on charges that he assaulted an officer while trying to evade arrest.
Garces Perez struck an officer with his side mirror on Sept. 20 while trying to drive away, authorities said. The federal officer who shot Garces Perez, and who allegedly was hit by the side mirror of Garces Perez’s car, wasn’t wearing a body camera.
Garces Perez faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the assault charge.
The bullet was successfully removed during surgery, and Garces Perez is recovering in the custody of the U.S. Marshalls, said Fabiana Melendez Ruiz, a spokesperson for his legal team.
His case has sparked outrage and protests in the Texas capital city against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, including agents' conduct.
Garces Perez said he was struck by a law enforcement SUV and spun around before he was shot. Federal officers told investigators, however, that Garces Perez attempted to strike an officer with his car at the end of the chase before the officer fired his weapon.
Footage provided Wednesday in court shows officers pulling over Garces Perez in Austin, where he was delivering food for DoorDash.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Garces Perez will face trial on assault charges related to the Sept. 20 incident
Very likely · Within months
Protests and public scrutiny over immigration agent conduct will continue in Austin and other Texas cities
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Why was the federal officer not wearing a body camera during the incident?
- What specific evidence supports the claim that Garces Perez attempted to strike an officer with his car?
- Will Garces Perez receive adequate medical care while in U.S. Marshalls custody during recovery?
