ICE Shooting in Austin Texas: Man Injured, Officials Say

A man was shot and seriously injured by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during a federal immigration enforcement operation, according to Austin officials and multiple news reports.

The shooting happened in North Austin near the intersection of Research Boulevard and Anderson Square shortly before 1 p.m. local time. Local officials said the man suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to a hospital in serious but stable condition.

The incident quickly became the focus of protests and calls for an independent investigation. Austin police said their officers were not involved in the shooting itself. Federal authorities said the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations unit, with assistance from the FBI, would investigate the incident.

The man was later identified by his attorney as 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan national. His attorney said he had been working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the shooting occurred.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and several important details about what happened immediately before the gunfire have not yet been publicly established.

Table of Contents

• What Happened in the Austin ICE Shooting?
• Where Did the Shooting Take Place?
• Who Was the Man Shot by ICE?
• What Officials Said About the Shooting
• What the Victim’s Attorney Says
• The Vehicle Pursuit and Foot Chase
• The Man’s Medical Condition
• What Happened After He Left the Hospital?
• Why the Shooting Is Being Investigated
• Federal Investigation by DHS and FBI
• Austin Police and Texas Rangers Investigation
• Austin Mayor Calls for Transparency
• Protests After the ICE Shooting
• What Witnesses Reported
• What DHS Says About the Victim
• Disagreement Over the Man’s Immigration Status
• Why the Incident Has Drawn National Attention
• Previous ICE-Related Shootings in Texas
• What Investigators Will Need to Determine
• What Happens Next
• Key Facts About the Austin ICE Shooting
• Final Takeaways

What Happened in the Austin ICE Shooting?

The shooting occurred Sunday afternoon in North Austin during an operation involving federal immigration enforcement officers.

According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, preliminary information indicated that an ICE officer shot the man after a brief foot pursuit. Officials said the man sustained a gunshot wound to his upper torso.

The exact sequence of events leading to the shooting remains under investigation.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said state troopers received a request from ICE at approximately 12:50 p.m. for assistance with a pursuit involving a blue Toyota Corolla. According to state officials, the shooting happened before the troopers arrived.

When state troopers reached the scene, they assisted with medical treatment for the injured driver.

Austin-Travis County EMS subsequently transported the man to a local trauma center.

Federal authorities have described the incident as occurring during a law enforcement operation, while local officials have said they want additional information about precisely what happened.

Where Did the Shooting Take Place?

The shooting occurred in North Austin near Research Boulevard and Anderson Square.

The location became an active law-enforcement scene after the shooting, with Austin police, state troopers and federal personnel present.

A blue Toyota Corolla was left at the scene with visible damage and bullet holes. Images from the area showed law-enforcement vehicles and officers surrounding the vehicle.

Local media reported that witnesses in nearby businesses heard gunshots before going outside to see what had happened.

KUT reported that two nearby workers said they heard two shots. One witness said he saw an ICE agent and a wounded man in a vehicle and asked whether an ambulance had been called.

The area later attracted protesters, adding another layer of activity to an already complicated law-enforcement investigation.

Who Was the Man Shot by ICE?

The injured man was identified by his attorney as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national.

Immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch said she was representing Perez and his family following the shooting.

According to his attorney, Perez was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the incident occurred.

The Associated Press reported that Perez had been making a DoorDash delivery in Austin before he was shot.

His attorney has also disputed some aspects of the federal government’s description of his immigration history.

Because the investigation is still underway, several details about Perez’s immigration case and the circumstances that led ICE officers to encounter him remain disputed or incomplete.

What Officials Said About the Shooting

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the information available to local authorities was preliminary.

Officials said the man had been shot in the torso and was taken to a local hospital.

Austin police emphasized that city officers were not

in the shooting operation.

That distinction became important after the incident because Austin police and city officials were later asked to participate in the investigation.

Federal immigration officers were conducting the operation when the shooting occurred.

According to reporting from Reuters, the shooting happened during a brief pursuit on foot. The agency reported that Perez was hospitalized in serious but stable condition before being released into federal custody.

The precise reason an ICE officer fired a weapon has not been publicly established.

Investigators are expected to examine witness accounts, physical evidence, vehicle damage, officer communications and available video footage as they reconstruct the incident.

What the Victim’s Attorney Says

Perez’s attorney has provided a different perspective on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch said Perez was working as a DoorDash driver and that he had been in his vehicle when the federal operation unfolded.

According to the attorney’s account, Perez contacted his wife after being shot.

His legal representatives have also raised concerns about the information provided to Perez’s family following the shooting and his subsequent transfer into federal custody.

The attorney has said Perez entered the United States legally and had a valid work permit, while federal officials have described him differently and said he was subject to immigration enforcement.

Those conflicting accounts are significant because Perez’s immigration status may become part of the broader legal proceedings surrounding the case.

At this stage, the public record contains claims from both federal authorities and Perez’s legal representatives, and investigators have not publicly resolved all of those differences.

 

The Vehicle Pursuit and Foot Chase

One of the central questions in the investigation is what happened between the initial encounter and the moment the ICE officer fired.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said ICE requested assistance with a pursuit involving a blue Toyota Corolla.

Austin police later described a brief foot pursuit before the shooting.

However, the complete sequence of events has not been publicly established.

Austin City Councilmember Mike Siegel told ABC News that an ICE vehicle had rammed the side of a blue Toyota sedan before an officer exited and fired. That account has been attributed to the councilmember and has not been established as the definitive sequence of events by investigators.

Determining what happened during those moments will likely be one of the most important parts of the investigation.

Investigators may examine:

• Body-camera footage, if available
• Dash-camera recordings
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses
• Officer radio communications
• 911 calls
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage
• Bullet trajectories
• Ballistic evidence
• Medical records
• Statements from the injured man
• Federal law-enforcement reports

These pieces of evidence could help investigators establish the timeline.

The Man’s Medical Condition

After being shot, Perez was transported to a local hospital.

Austin officials initially described him as being in serious but stable condition.

Officials said he suffered a gunshot wound to the torso.

The Associated Press reported on September 21 that Perez had been released from the hospital and was being held at the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall, about 130 miles southwest of Austin.

According to a spokesperson for his attorney, Perez still had a bullet lodged in his back when he was released from the hospital.

That detail has added further attention to questions about his medical treatment and the circumstances surrounding his transfer into federal custody.

The medical information comes primarily from Perez’s legal representatives, while federal authorities have publicly provided limited details about his treatment.

What Happened After He Left the Hospital?

After being released from the hospital, Perez was placed into federal custody.

The Associated Press reported that he was being held at the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall.

His transfer means that the shooting investigation and his immigration case are now unfolding simultaneously.

His attorney’s office has sought additional information about his medical condition and access to him.

The federal government has indicated that Perez is subject to immigration enforcement proceedings.

The legal status of the case remains an important point of disagreement between federal authorities and Perez’s legal representatives.

Why the Shooting Is Being Investigated

Any shooting involving a federal law-enforcement officer raises questions about the circumstances in which force was used.

In this case, those questions are particularly significant because the shooting happened during an immigration enforcement operation and because Austin police were not directly involved in the initial operation.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has called for local participation in the investigation.

City officials have said an independent or outside review would help establish what happened.

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has also indicated that it wants access to evidence gathered during the investigation.

The goal of these requests is to determine the facts surrounding the shooting and whether any laws or procedures were violated.

At present, investigators have not publicly announced a final conclusion about whether the officer’s use of force was lawful.

Federal Investigation by DHS and FBI

The Department of Homeland Security said its Homeland Security Investigations division is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI.

DHS oversees ICE and several other federal immigration-enforcement agencies.

The federal investigation is expected to examine the conduct of the officers involved as well as the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Federal officials have also said Perez was involved in a law-enforcement operation and that he was subject to a final order of removal.

However, the exact details of that immigration case have not been fully disclosed publicly.

Reuters reported that DHS said Homeland Security Investigations would investigate the shooting with FBI assistance.

The investigation could eventually produce additional information about why officers attempted to stop Perez and what happened immediately before the shooting.

Austin Police and Texas Rangers Investigation

Austin police and the Texas Rangers are also expected to play a role in examining the incident.

Texas Department of Public Safety personnel were already involved after being called to assist with the pursuit.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said local officers were not involved in the operation but would participate in the broader investigation.

The involvement of multiple agencies could allow investigators to examine the incident from different perspectives.

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has also requested cooperation from federal authorities.

That cooperation could be important because key evidence may be controlled by federal agencies.

Austin Mayor Calls for Transparency

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called for transparency following the shooting.

Watson said he wanted residents to understand what happened and why.

He also said Austin should have a role in examining an incident that occurred within the city.

The mayor’s position reflects the broader question of how local authorities and federal immigration agencies interact during enforcement operations.

Austin has seen increased attention surrounding immigration enforcement in recent weeks.

The shooting has intensified those concerns and prompted calls from local officials for additional information.

Protests After the ICE Shooting

Protesters gathered near the shooting scene after news of the incident spread.

The demonstration eventually drew a significant law-enforcement presence.

The Texas Tribune reported that dozens of demonstrators remained in the area into the evening.

The situation became tense later in the day.

According to local reporting, some demonstrators threw rocks and water bottles toward law enforcement officers. Police then used pepper-ball-type projectiles as officers prepared to leave the area.

The protests reflected broader disagreement over federal immigration enforcement and the use of force by immigration officers.

The shooting therefore became both a criminal investigation and a major public-policy issue in Austin.

What Witnesses Reported

Witness accounts are an important part of the developing investigation.

KUT reported that nearby workers heard gunshots and went outside to investigate.

One witness said he saw an ICE officer and an injured man near a vehicle.

Other reports described a large federal and local law-enforcement presence after the shooting.

Witness accounts can help establish the sequence of events, but investigators will need to compare those accounts with physical evidence and recordings.

Because the shooting happened in a populated area, investigators may have access to surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras.

Such footage could become especially important if there are conflicting accounts of the encounter.

What DHS Says About the Victim

Federal authorities have provided a different description of Perez’s immigration history from the account provided by his attorney.

DHS said Perez entered the United States illegally under the Biden administration and had a final order of removal.

The department also said he was encountered during a law-enforcement operation.

Federal officials have not publicly released a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led ICE agents to pursue him immediately before the shooting.

That information is expected to be relevant to the investigation.

Disagreement Over the Man’s Immigration Status

Perez’s immigration status is one of the most disputed aspects of the case.

His attorney said he entered the United States legally and had a valid work permit.

DHS, meanwhile, has said that he entered the country illegally and had a final order of removal.

These statements are not necessarily describing the same legal question.

Immigration cases can involve multiple stages, including lawful entry, parole, asylum applications, employment authorization, removal proceedings and final removal orders.

A person can also have authorization to work while still being subject to immigration proceedings.

Therefore, determining Perez’s exact legal status will require reviewing his immigration records rather than relying solely on public statements.

The disagreement is likely to remain an important part of the case as federal authorities and Perez’s attorneys provide additional information.

Why the Incident Has Drawn National Attention

The Austin shooting has received national attention because it occurred amid heightened debate over immigration enforcement in the United States.

ICE operations have expanded under the Trump administration, and federal immigration enforcement has become a major national political issue.

The Austin incident has also drawn comparisons with other recent shootings involving immigration officers.

The Texas Tribune reported that the Austin shooting followed previous ICE-related shootings in Texas, including the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston in July.

Those previous incidents are separate investigations and should not be treated as evidence of what happened in Austin.

However, they provide context for why the latest shooting has attracted attention from national media and public officials.

Previous ICE-Related Shootings in Texas

The Austin shooting was not the first recent shooting involving ICE officers in Texas.

According to reporting by The Texas Tribune, an ICE officer fatally shot Ruben Ray Martinez in South Padre Island in March 2025.

Another fatal shooting occurred in Houston in July 2026 involving Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.

Those incidents have been investigated separately.

The Austin case is different because Perez survived the shooting, although he suffered a serious gunshot wound.

The incidents have nevertheless contributed to increased scrutiny of how immigration officers use force during enforcement operations.

What Investigators Will Need to Determine

Several major questions remain unanswered.

1. Why did ICE officers attempt to stop Perez?

Investigators will need to determine what information officers had before the encounter and why they attempted to apprehend him.

2. What happened during the vehicle pursuit?

Officials have confirmed that a blue Toyota Corolla was involved, but the complete sequence remains under investigation.

3. Was there a foot pursuit?

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said preliminary information indicated that there was a brief foot pursuit.

Investigators will need to establish exactly what happened.

4. Why did the officer fire?

This is one of the most significant unanswered questions.

Investigators will examine the officer’s account, witness statements, video and physical evidence.

5. How many shots were fired?

Officials have publicly described the victim as suffering a gunshot wound to the torso, while other witnesses and officials have referenced multiple shots.

Ballistic evidence should help establish the number of rounds fired.

6. Was the use of force consistent with federal law and policy?

That determination will depend on the facts established during the investigation.

7. What happened after the shooting?

Investigators will also review how Perez was treated, transported to the hospital and eventually transferred into federal custody.

What Happens Next?

The investigation is expected to continue as federal, state and local authorities review evidence.

The Homeland Security Investigations division is leading the federal investigation with FBI assistance.

Austin police and Texas Rangers are also expected to examine the incident.

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has requested access to evidence.

Perez’s attorneys are also expected to provide additional information about his condition, immigration case and account of the shooting.

The release of surveillance footage, body-camera recordings or other evidence could significantly clarify the sequence of events.

However, investigators may not release all evidence immediately because the case remains active.

Any future criminal or administrative findings could depend on evidence that has not yet been made public.

Key Facts About the Austin ICE Shooting

Here are the major facts known as of September 21, 2026:

• Location: North Austin, Texas
• Approximate time: Shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday, September 20
• Intersection: Research Boulevard and Anderson Square
• Federal agency involved: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Injured person: Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, according to his attorney
• Nationality: Venezuelan
• Reported occupation: DoorDash delivery driver, according to his attorney
• Injury: Gunshot wound to the torso
• Initial condition: Serious but stable
• Hospital: Dell Seton Medical Center
• Current custody: Reported to be at the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall
• Federal investigation: Homeland Security Investigations with FBI assistance
• Local investigation: Austin police and Texas Rangers
• Vehicle: Blue Toyota Corolla
• Protests: Demonstrators gathered near the shooting scene
• Investigation status: Ongoing

These details are based on reporting available on September 21, 2026, and some aspects remain subject to change as investigators release additional information.

Final Takeaways

The shooting of a man by an ICE officer in Austin has become a major developing story in Texas and across the United States.

The incident occurred Sunday afternoon in North Austin during a federal immigration enforcement operation. The injured man, identified by his attorney as 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was initially hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

By Monday, he had been released from the hospital and was reportedly being held at an ICE detention facility in Pearsall, Texas. His attorney’s representatives said a bullet remained lodged in his back when he was released.

Federal authorities and Perez’s legal representatives have offered differing descriptions of his immigration history. DHS says he entered the country illegally and had a final order of removal, while his attorney says he entered legally and had a valid work permit.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting itself also remain under investigation.

Officials have confirmed that the incident involved a blue Toyota Corolla and a brief pursuit. Austin police were not involved in the initial operation, but local officials have called for their participation in the investigation.

The federal government has said Homeland Security Investigations is investigating with FBI assistance.

Meanwhile, Austin police and Texas Rangers are also expected to review the incident, while the Travis County District Attorney’s Office has requested access to evidence.

As investigators work to reconstruct what happened, additional evidence could answer key questions about the pursuit, the officer’s decision to fire, the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding Perez’s arrest.

For now, the Austin ICE shooting remains an active investigation, and several important details have not yet been independently established.

Further updates are expected as federal and local authorities release additional information and Perez’s legal team provides new details about his condition and immigration case.