Increase in Shootings Involving Immigration Agents
The shooting of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash delivery driver, by an ICE agent has heightened concerns about federal immigration enforcement’s impact. This incident marks the eleventh shooting involving federal immigration agents in 2026. The Trump administration’s aggressive expansion of such activities sparked various confrontations and shootings from the year’s beginning.
Specific Incidents and Responses
Federal operations like Minnesota’s “Operation Metro Surge” increased ICE presence in various communities, leading to several high-profile incidents. Notable cases include:
- Renée Good in Minneapolis, MN: On January 7, 2026, the 37-year-old was fatally shot by an ICE officer, claiming her vehicle posed a threat. This incident led to widespread protests and scrutiny.
- Luis David Nino Moncada in Portland, OR: A Border Patrol agent shot Moncada on January 8, 2026, during an encounter. Though deemed self-defense by federal authorities, it resulted in protests and investigations.
- Patrick Gary Schlegel in Arivaca, AZ: Shot by Border Patrol personnel on January 27, 2026, Schlegel’s “significant criminal history” and pending charges complicated the narrative around the shooting.
The year’s early incidents have prompted investigations and challenges to the official accounts provided by federal agencies, leading to heightened tension between communities and federal authorities.
Fatal Incidents and Legal Challenges
- Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, MN: A nurse, Pretti was fatally shot by CBP personnel on January 24, 2026, while observing immigration activities. The agents involved faced charges for use of force.
- Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, TX: Araujo, aged 52, was shot during an ICE operation on July 7, 2026, as officials stated he attempted to run over an officer. Witnesses disputed this version.
- Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, ME: On July 13, 2026, Guerrero was fatally shot in an incident involving a traffic stop, despite not being the target of the warrant.
These fatal shootings have raised alarm, with several legal challenges against official narratives and actions taken by federal agents.
Current Developments
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez’s shooting on September 20, 2026, remains under investigation amid ongoing scrutiny of federal immigration practices. The Department of Homeland Security referred to him as an “illegal alien,” yet circumstances related to the shooting continue to unfold.
Newsweek reached out to ICE, CBP, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security for comments on these developments, highlighting the complexity and controversy surrounding federal immigration enforcement.