Venezuelan driver shot by ICE in Texas undergoes surgery

Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan delivery driver, underwent surgery on October 1 to remove a bullet that had been lodged near his spine since September 20. The injury occurred during an immigration enforcement operation in Austin, Texas, conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Federal prosecutors have charged Garcés Pérez with assault, resisting arrest, and obstructing a federal agent, crimes that carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Authorities claim Garcés Pérez attempted to use his vehicle to strike an officer during a pursuit. Conversely, Garcés Pérez and his legal team maintain that he requested to park his vehicle safely before surrendering and that the shooting was unprovoked.

Following a court appearance where he arrived in a wheelchair, a federal judge denied Garcés Pérez bail, citing a flight risk. His defense attorneys have criticized the government for allegedly delaying necessary medical care and characterized the criminal charges as retaliation for questioning agent conduct. Garcés Pérez remains in federal custody while recovering from surgery.