Venezuelan shot by ICE officers with bullet in body in hospital

A Venezuelan man who was shot by a US immigration officer (ICE) in Texas has been taken back to a hospital with the bullet lodged in his body, according to his lawyer. The 28-year-old was initially treated and then transferred to a deportation center. There he suffered from severe pain. In addition, the left side of the body was paralyzed, explained lawyer Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch.

The bullet had not yet been removed because of its proximity to the spinal cord, the man said in a telephone conversation with journalists that was translated by his lawyer. "I'm not feeling well, the bullet is still in my body," he said. According to the attorney, ICE pushed for his release from the hospital.

Apparently an attack from nowhere

The Venezuelan was driving in Austin on Sunday to deliver an order for the delivery service DoorDash when, according to his account, his car was rammed by a vehicle carrying ICE officers. He was then shot. The authorities confirmed a gunshot wound to the upper body, but initially did not provide any information about the incident.

According to his lawyer, the man initially did not receive adequate medical care or painkillers at the deportation center. The Department of Homeland Security said he was being held in custody pending his deportation. There is a legally binding deportation order against him.

According to the lawyer, the Venezuelan entered the USA legally in 2024 via the CBP One program. He applied for asylum and had a valid work permit. The ICE officer is being investigated with the involvement of the FBI.