Bishop Daniel E. Garcia of the Diocese of Austin condemned an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation that resulted in a shooting on September 20, 2026. The incident occurred when federal agents encountered Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old man delivering food for DoorDash.
Bishop Garcia expressed that he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by the violence. He stated that the event has left many residents feeling unsafe, noting that “people are living in terror and fear.” The bishop called for transparency from federal, state, and city authorities regarding the use of force. He also offered prayers for the victim, his family, and the broader community affected by the confrontation.
Conflicting Accounts of Legal Status
The Department of Homeland Security identified Perez as a Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally under the Biden administration and possessed a final order of removal. DHS reported that Perez is in stable condition and remains in federal custody pending deportation.
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Austin immigration attorney representing Perez, disputed the government’s characterization. She stated that her client is a legal immigrant who entered through the CBP One program and holds a valid work permit. According to Lincoln-Goldfinch, Perez missed a required hearing because notice was mailed to an incorrect address after he relocated.
The CBP One mobile application, which allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at ports of entry, was discontinued in 2025. The discrepancy between the DHS account and the attorney’s representation highlights the complex legal status of individuals involved in immigration enforcement actions.
Federal Investigation Launched
A video obtained by news outlets showed officers cutting away Perez’s shirt to reveal a bullet wound in his back. Following the shooting, Austin police detained a protester after issuing dispersal orders at the scene. City officials have called for an independent investigation into the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are leading the inquiry. The agencies did not provide a timeline for concluding their review or releasing findings to the public.