AUSTIN. A Venezuelan delivery driver who was shot by a federal immigration agent in Texas underwent surgery Thursday to remove a bullet that had been lodged in his back for nearly two weeks, according to his legal team. The Venezuelan delivery driver was hospitalized following the September shooting and is now recovering.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, appeared in court Wednesday in a wheelchair and with his arm in a sling. He remains in custody on a charge of assaulting an officer while allegedly trying to evade arrest, court officials said.
Texas federal immigration shooting case
Authorities said Garces Perez struck an officer with his vehicle’s side mirror on Sept. 20 as he tried to drive away. The federal officer who fired at Garces Perez, and who was allegedly hit by the mirror, was not equipped with a body camera.
If convicted of the assault charge, Garces Perez could face up to 20 years in prison, according to prosecutors.
Fabiana Melendez Ruiz, a spokesperson for Garces Perez’s legal team, said the bullet was successfully removed and that he is recovering while in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case has prompted protests in Austin and renewed criticism of the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, including agents’ conduct, according to organizers.
Garces Perez told representatives that a law enforcement SUV struck his vehicle and spun it around before he was shot. Federal officers told investigators that Garces Perez attempted to hit an officer with his car at the end of a chase, after which the officer fired.
Court proceedings on Wednesday included footage showing officers pulling over Garces Perez in Austin, where he was delivering food for DoorDash, according to filings.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement following other incidents, including an ICE raid that sent food truck workers fleeing in Tallahassee.