Laredo advocates, lawmaker demand independent probe after Austin ICE shooting

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - An ICE agent shot and wounded a delivery driver in north Austin on Sunday, Sept. 20, prompting immigrant advocates and border-area lawmakers to demand an independent investigation and full transparency from the Department of Homeland Security.

Investigators say ICE officers ran a license plate check and flagged a vehicle registered to 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez.

A CNN source says Garces Perez had an active deportation order. Immigrant groups dispute that account. They say he held a valid work permit and was delivering food when he ran out of fear.

The Laredo Immigrant Alliance wants Austin and Travis County officials to lead an independent criminal probe. The group is also demanding the driver’s release so his wife and attorney can see him.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is backing calls for an outside investigation. He is promising to use his Homeland Security leadership post to force answers.

Some people in Laredo say federal priorities are misplaced.

“These agents should focus on people who are actually criminals, the ones committing real crimes, not people trying to earn an honest living. The ones smuggling drugs, the ones selling drugs,” a concerned Laredoan said.

Federal authorities confirm Garces Perez is in stable condition at an Austin hospital and remains in custody pending formal removal proceedings.

Advocates say they will keep pressing federal officials until the family gets full access and until they get answers.

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