Video Shows Shooting Aftermath Involving ICE Agent and Driver in Austin

Why it matters locally: Given California's significant immigrant population and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, incidents involving federal immigration enforcement and allegations of human smuggling, even those occurring out-of-state, are often closely monitored by immigration advocacy groups and communities within the state.

Austin experienced protests Monday night following an incident where a federal agent shot Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a 28-year-old delivery driver from Venezuela. Video footage shows officers surrounding Pérez after a shot struck him in the back. The incident developed as agents attempted to arrest Pérez. Authorities stated they initiated the arrest based on an outstanding warrant for human smuggling. Officers located Pérez’s vehicle at an apartment complex. Pérez then entered his vehicle and put it in reverse, striking two law enforcement vehicles. He subsequently drove forward toward a federal agent. The agent then fired one shot, hitting Pérez. Following the shooting, Pérez drove his vehicle a short distance before stopping it. Law enforcement personnel administered first aid to Pérez at the scene. Paramedics then transported him to a hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. A federal grand jury previously indicted Pérez in April on a human smuggling charge. This indictment stemmed from an incident in February where officers found eight undocumented migrants in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Kinney County.