Hispanic Rights Group Advocates Against Deportation of Shooting Witness

A prominent Hispanic civil rights organization has spoken out regarding a Venezuelan immigrant involved in a recent ICE-related shooting in Austin. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is urging authorities not to deport Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a key witness in the investigation of the incident.

Following a traffic stop, Garces Perez was shot by an ICE agent, resulting in his hospitalization in serious but stable condition. This event led to protests in Austin, with calls from local officials for an independent inquiry into the agents’ actions.

“Wilber is a victim of the shooting and the most important witness to it. You do not deport the key witness to your own officers’ use of force,” stated LULAC CEO Juan Peruano.

Garces Perez’s legal representative, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, detailed that Garces Perez was performing DoorDash deliveries when an unmarked vehicle allegedly struck his car. She indicated that Garces Perez, unaware the vehicle belonged to ICE, attempted to evade it. ICE agents later confronted and shot him.

Lincoln-Goldfinch also reported that Garces Perez experienced inadequate medical treatment, with a bullet remaining lodged hours after the shooting and insufficient pain relief provided.

Garces Perez, who sought asylum in 2024 via the CBP One app, received a deportation order after missing a court hearing notice sent to a previous address. His attorney criticized the immigration court’s practice of sending notifications to the wrong addresses, a problem not unique to Garces Perez.

Lincoln-Goldfinch and Rep. Lloyd Doggett accused federal agencies of providing inaccurate accounts of the incident and poor accountability. “ICE has no credibility anymore,” Doggett remarked. “It lies. We know it lies.”

DHS sources confirmed Garces Perez’s illegal status, adding that he is under a final removal order. The incident took place during a broader law enforcement operation, according to DHS.