Venezuelan Delivery Driver Shot by ICE Undergoes Surgery to Remove Bullet
Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan delivery driver shot by a federal immigration agent in Austin, Texas, underwent surgery on Thursday to remove a bullet lodged in his back for nearly two weeks. Garcés Pérez was operating a DoorDash delivery when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stopped him on September 20, an incident that has triggered protests over federal enforcement tactics.
- Surgical intervention successfully extracted a ballistic projectile lodged near the patient’s spine after nearly two weeks of delayed treatment while in custody.
- Supporters and representatives had warned of potential permanent neurological deficits, including the risk of losing feeling on the left side of the body due to proximity to the spinal column.
- The patient remains housed under federal guard, facing charges carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years following a bail denial.
Surgical Extraction of the Spinal Projectile in Austin
Medical teams performed the operation on Thursday to excise the bullet that remained positioned close to Garcés Pérez’s spine since the September 20 shooting. Supporters and legal representatives had lobbied to secure the procedure, pointing to risks that the patient could lose feeling on the left side of his body. Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz, a spokesperson for the legal team, confirmed that the surgery successfully extracted the projectile and that the patient is recovering under the guard of the U.S. Marshals.
The medical intervention followed a court appearance on Wednesday where Garcés Pérez appeared in a wheelchair wearing an arm sling. According to a statement released by the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP)—an advocacy organization on his legal defense team—the patient was transferred on the same day from the Austin hospital where he was recovering from an ICE officer’s gunshot wound to a detention center approximately 140 miles away.
Contested Accounts of the September 20 Traffic Stop and Shooting
Federal authorities and the defense offer conflicting narratives regarding the events leading up to the discharge of the weapon. Law enforcement officials stated that Garcés Pérez struck an officer’s side mirror with his vehicle while attempting to drive away on September 20, and later tried to run over an agent at the conclusion of a chase, prompting the agent to fire. On the other hand, Garcés Pérez stated that a police vehicle rammed his automobile and spun it around, explaining that he asked officers for permission to park in a safe spot before surrendering; instead, they refused, struck him again, and fired the shot that hit him in the back.
Accountability documentation remains a point of contention in the legal proceedings. The federal officer who discharged the weapon was not wearing a body camera, and another officer who pursued Garcés Pérez turned his camera off partway through the encounter. Bystander footage captured portions of the incident, showing ICE officers calling an ambulance and standing by while the wounded man remained in his car until local police arrived to administer first aid.
Federal Charges and Bail Denial in Texas Court
Federal prosecutors filed charges against Garcés Pérez on Monday, accusing him of assaulting, resisting, obstructing and impeding a federal officer. The charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years upon conviction. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, his lawyer, stated publicly that such charges are often used in retaliation against people who have resisted or protested or been assaulted by ICE.
Federal judge Dustin Howell denied bail during Wednesday’s hearing, citing flight risk and saying video evidence showed Garcés Pérez fleeing authorities and hitting an officer with his vehicle. The case has intensified demonstrations in Austin against federal immigration enforcement practices under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Garcés Pérez now recuperates in federal custody as legal teams prepare for further courtroom proceedings.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.