Exiled Venezuelans Ask U.S. to Protect Nationals After ICE Shooting

Organizations of exiled Venezuelans asked the U.S. Government to prevent targeted persecution. This comes after an ICE agent shot a Venezuelan migrant. The incident occurred Sunday in Austin, Texas.

What Happened to Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez?

Garcés Pérez, 28 years old, was shot in the torso while working as a delivery driver. He was making a delivery for the DoorDash platform when the incident occurred.

According to Austin councilman Mike Siegel, who responded to the scene and spoke to EFE, an ICE agent exited an unmarked truck. According to his account, the agent fired at Garcés’ parked vehicle.

What Did Venezuelan Organizations Request?

The Multicultural Association of Voice and Expression Activists (Amavex) and Venezuelans Persecuted for Political Reasons in Exile (Veppex) issued a joint statement. They expressed strong rejection of what occurred in Texas.

In the statement, the organizations affirmed: «The application of immigration laws does not grant a license to shoot.» According to them, this also cannot become persecution against any immigrant community.

What Is Known About the Wounded Venezuelan’s Condition?

According to the organizations, Garcés Pérez’s family and lawyers are unaware of his current location. They also lack confirmed information about his medical condition following the shooting.

Therefore, this situation adds uncertainty to a case that was already generating concern.

What Did DHS Say About the Investigation?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that its Homeland Security Investigations unit (HSI) is leading the inquiry. According to the agency, it has FBI support in the process.

However, Venezuelan organizations deemed that response «insufficient.» According to them, this is because the location of Garcés’ detention remains hidden. Additionally, they noted that his family is prevented from accessing that information.

For this reason, they asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intervene publicly in the case. They requested that he demand immediate answers about the Venezuelan’s location and detention conditions.

What Other ICE Shootings Have Been Recorded This Year?

This incident adds to more than 10 shootings by immigration agents in the United States this year. So far, those incidents have left four confirmed dead.

Among them are Americans Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minnesota, in January. Also Mexican Lorenzo Salgado and Colombian Johan Sebastián Durán, both in July.

What Do Congressmembers Request Regarding the Investigation?

Venezuelan organizations joined federal congressmembers demanding an independent investigation. They are asking for it to be transparent and impartial regarding what happened to Garcés Pérez.

Additionally, they requested preservation and disclosure of available evidence from the incident. This includes recordings from body cameras and operational communications of the agents involved.

What Did Congressman Greg Casar Say?

Texas Congressman Greg Casar spoke out about the case on his X account. He wrote that «ICE has shot people and then lied about what happened.»

According to Casar, visual evidence contradicts official versions in similar previous cases. Additionally, he demanded truth, transparency, and accountability regarding this specific incident.

What Comes Next in This Case?

For now, questions persist.