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ICE Agent Shoots Venezuelan Immigrant in Austin, Texas

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot a Venezuelan immigrant during a traffic stop in Austin, prompting calls for an investigation and accountability.

21 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: ICE Agent Shoots Venezuelan Immigrant in Austin, Texas — Archive photoPhoto: Charles E. Spirtos · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

On Sunday, an officer from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shot a Venezuelan immigrant, identified as Wilber Garces, in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred during a traffic stop around midday in the north side of the city. According to local reports, the ICE agent collided with Garces' vehicle before exiting the federal vehicle and opening fire at least five times.

Garces was struck at least once in the torso and was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he remains in serious but stable condition. The Austin Police Chief, Lisa Davis, confirmed the details of the shooting during a press conference, stating that the officer shot Garces during a brief foot pursuit.

Following the shooting, anti-ICE protests erupted at the scene, with demonstrators calling for transparency and accountability regarding the actions of federal officers. Austin Congressman Greg Casar has also publicly demanded an investigation into the incident and has urged the release of body camera footage from the ICE agent involved.

Officials from various local authorities, including the police and the mayor, conducted a press briefing later in the day to address the incident, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation as similar incidents have resulted in fatalities in the past. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and the actions of the officer remain under scrutiny.

This incident adds to the growing number of controversial actions taken by ICE, sparking renewed concerns about the agency's operational practices, especially amid ongoing discussions regarding immigration enforcement in the U.S. Authorities have acknowledged that there have been previous deaths linked to ICE operations and custody.

While the ICE agent involved has not been named, the situation continues to develop, prompting local officials to advocate for further oversight and public accountability regarding the agency's activities in communities. The shooting of Garces has highlighted the complex and often contentious interactions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities.

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