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ICE agent shoots Venezuelan DoorDash driver in back, leaves him partially paralyzed

Oct 4, 2026·Location: Austin, TX

Country of origin: Venezuela

ICE agent shoots Venezuelan DoorDash driver in back, leaves him partially paralyzed
Photo via NBC News

Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker who entered the U.S. legally through CBP One in 2024 and held a valid work permit, was shot in the back by an ICE agent on September 20, 2026, during a traffic stop while delivering for DoorDash in North Austin. Federal prosecutors allege he struck an officer with his car's side mirror and fled, while he says an unmarked ICE vehicle rammed and spun his car before he was shot, unaware it belonged to ICE. He suffered a fractured clavicle and a bullet lodged near his spine causing partial paralysis, and his attorney said he faced risk of infection without surgery and received no pain medication in custody. A federal magistrate judge found prosecutors had not clearly shown he was a danger to the community but ruled him a flight risk and denied bond; his attorney said he would pursue a habeas corpus case. He faces DOJ charges of assaulting, resisting and impeding a federal officer carrying up to 20 years in prison, which his defense disputes, and a separate deportation order prompted his attorneys to sue to block removal. The shooting, partly captured on bystander video, prompted protests of over 150 people and calls from Rep. Greg Casar, Mayor Kirk Watson, and Rep. Joaquin Castro for an independent investigation and release of body-camera footage.

Timeline

Oct 4, 2026—Appeared in federal court in wheelchair facing federal charges; deportation order prompted lawsuit to block removal
Sep 30, 2026—Judge denied bond, ruling him a flight risk despite no clear finding of danger to community
Sep 20, 2026—Shot in the back by ICE agent during traffic stop/chase in North Austin while delivering for DoorDash
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