Illegal Alien Injured During ICE Operation in Austin

The Department of Homeland Security reported that a Venezuelan man, identified as an illegal alien, was shot during an immigration enforcement operation in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.

Democratic leaders and some media outlets quickly condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), portraying 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez as a victim of harsh treatment by federal agents.

DHS has cast doubt on these narratives, suggesting that the claims against ICE are misleading.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “Sanctuary politicians and the mainstream media have wasted no time in spreading lies about an ICE officer-involved shooting of an illegal alien in Austin, Texas.” He emphasized that Garces Perez is indeed an illegal alien with no legal right to remain in the U.S., informing that he has received quality medical care during his treatment.

Mullin asserted, “No amount of smears and false narratives will slow down ICE from doing its job by removing dangerous illegal aliens from our communities and making America safe again.”

The department has actively refuted a series of claims made by Democrats and various news organizations about the situation surrounding the shooting.

Texas Representative Joaquin Castro and others promoted the assertion from Perez’s attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, that he had been issued a valid work permit. However, the DHS clarified that while he had a work permit, it expired in 2025 and does not confer legal status.

Regarding Goldfinch’s claim about Perez being ordered removed without his presence, the DHS responded, “Yes. This is why aliens must show up to their removal proceedings. Legal obligations do not end because someone’s address changed.”

The DHS also rejected claims from Castro suggesting Perez entered the U.S. lawfully, confirming he came in illegally during the Biden administration, possessed no valid work permit, and had a final removal order from an immigration judge.

In a letter to Secretary Mullin, Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) and nearly a hundred other Democrats claimed that Perez was not receiving adequate care in detention, stating that he had no access to pain medication and was made to sleep on the floor. In contrast, the DHS stated that he was receiving continuous medical attention, including pain relief, and when he arrived at the detention facility, he had a bed to sleep in.

Democratic lawmakers also insisted that there was no evidence Perez posed a threat to officers. However, newly released footage seemed to depict a vehicle matching Perez’s description fleeing from the police.

The DHS remarked, “Resisting officers and evading arrest is dangerous for our officers, illegal aliens, and the public,” reiterating that such actions result in felonies and are considered federal crimes.

Perez’s translator conveyed that he had attempted to comply with the ICE officers by asking them to pull over, but they rejected his request, leading to the incident. Perez is set to appear in court on September 30 as part of an effort to challenge his deportation.