Venezuelan man shot by ICE officer in Texas is charged with assault

A Venezuelan asylum seeker, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, who was shot by an ICE officer in Austin, Texas, on September 20, has been charged with assaulting a federal officer. Prosecutors allege Garces Perez struck an officer with his car's side-view mirror and then attempted to drive into him, prompting the shooting. Garces Perez disputes this account, stating his car was struck and spun around before he was shot in the back. He entered the US in 2024 seeking asylum and had a valid work permit, but was ordered for removal after missing a hearing due to an incorrect address. The case occurs amid increased immigration enforcement.

Federal prosecutors have charged Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a Venezuelan man shot by an ICE agent in Texas, with assaulting a federal officer. The charge stems from an incident on September 20th where Garcés Pérez is accused of striking an officer with his car's side mirror while attempting to drive away. Garcés Pérez was stopped by agents who identified his car as registered to him and noted a removal order. He reportedly declined to exit his vehicle, leading to the confrontation. Garcés Pérez's account differs, stating his car was struck by an SUV before shots were fired. He faces up to 20 years if convicted.