Should DHS lead the investigation of the ICE shooting of a delivery driver in Austin?
DHS says its Homeland Security Investigations will lead the inquiry into an ICE officer's shooting of a Venezuelan delivery driver in Austin. Austin's mayor, Democratic lawmakers and LULAC call for independent investigation; the man's attorney disputes DHS's account.
Claim in dispute
Any DHS narrative about the Austin shooting must be viewed with deep skepticism, and an independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The fixed reference point is DHS's public account of the shooting and its decision to have Homeland Security Investigations lead the investigation. In a late-Sunday post on X (opens in a new tab), DHS said HSI, with the FBI's assistance, is leading the investigation into an “officer involved shooting” of a man from Venezuela who “illegally entered our country under the Biden administration and had a final order of removal,” and that he is in federal custody pending removal. The post did not name him or say what led to the shooting. CBS News reported (opens in a new tab) that HSI is a component of ICE itself and has not traditionally been the principal investigator of officer-involved shootings.
Austin-Travis County EMS said the shooting was reported at about 12:56 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, in North Austin. CNN reported (opens in a new tab) that officials said the man was shot in the torso, that DoorDash confirmed he was working as a delivery driver at the time, and that a source familiar with the incident said ICE officers found a vehicle registered to him while conducting license-plate-based enforcement and that he had a deportation order. Austin police said they were not involved in the shooting.
Immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, who represents his family, identified him as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez. She told CBS News (opens in a new tab) that, based on the information available to her team, he entered the United States lawfully, without commenting on his current legal status, and told CNN (opens in a new tab) that he entered on an asylum claim, had been protected by a parole program that the administration later ended, has a valid work permit, and received a removal order in absentia after his court date was changed without notice to him. She also disputes that there was a foot chase; Austin's police chief said there may have been a brief foot pursuit but called that information preliminary. NBC News reported (opens in a new tab) that a senior administration official said he had no criminal history beyond being in the country illegally.
Local and federal Democratic officials have challenged an investigation led by DHS. Mayor Kirk Watson told a news conference that ICE conducting an investigation by itself and excluding others would not be appropriate (KXAN (opens in a new tab)). The Travis County District Attorney's office asked to be a “co-equal partner” with the Austin Police Department, requested federal cooperation and access to evidence, and said the incident may have included violations of state law (FOX 7 Austin (opens in a new tab)). Rep. Greg Casar sent DHS a letter (opens in a new tab) demanding an independent investigation and a briefing by September 28, and LULAC called for independent oversight of immigration enforcement (CNN (opens in a new tab)).
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) posted on X (opens in a new tab) that “we were told” the man is an illegal alien from Venezuela with a final order of removal; Fox News reported (opens in a new tab) that authorities had not publicly disclosed information indicating the man fired a weapon. We could not locate a public DHS response to the demands for an independent investigation or to the attorney's account. The dispute concerns DHS's description of events and who should investigate; it is not a finding on whether the shooting was justified.
People in this case
Kirk WatsonDirectly involved
Greg CasarCommented
Timeline
5 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 20, 2026 to September 21, 2026
September 2026
5 events
Travis County District Attorney asks to be a co-equal partner in the investigation
Reaction
The Travis County District Attorney's office said in a statement that an independent investigation must be completed and asked that the Austin Police Department and the District Attorney's office be “co-equal partners in the investigation.” It also requested federal cooperation in giving it access to the evidence and said it is possible the incident included violations of state law.
[01]ICE shooting in North Austin: Texas leaders react
Roundup that reproduces the full text of statements from Mayor Watson, the Travis County District Attorney, Rep. Casar and others on the day of the shooting.
ICE shooting in North Austin: Texas leaders reactStatements section: Travis County District Attorney, Mayor Watson, Rep. Casar[02]Austin officials condemn ICE shooting of Venezuelan man, call for independent investigation
Local report quoting Mayor Watson's news conference remarks and the District Attorney's statement. It notes the DHS post did not name the man.
Austin officials condemn ICE shooting of Venezuelan man, call for independent investigation · KXANParagraphs quoting Mayor Watson on ICE's credibility, the Travis County District Attorney statement, and Rep. Doggett[03]Man shot by ICE moved from hospital to detention center 'with a bullet in his back,' lawyer tells CNN
CNN report on the shooting, DHS's statement, the attorney's account, local officials' calls for an independent investigation, and LULAC's statement.
Man shot by ICE moved from hospital to detention center 'with a bullet in his back,' lawyer tells CNN · CNNFull article: dispute over legal status; LULAC statement; attorney interviewGarces Perez files habeas petition and emergency motion
The public docket in Garces Perez v. Thompson, No. 5:26-cv-06038 (W.D. Tex.), records that Wilber Rafael Garces Perez filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus and a separate motion seeking a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, release, and a stay of removal. The docket records the filings; it does not resolve the petition’s allegations or requests.
[04]Docket in Garces Perez v. Thompson, No. 5:26-cv-06038 (W.D. Tex.)
Source excerpt
Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus ... filed by Wilber Rafael Garces Perez; MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ORDERING RELEASE AND A STAY OF REMOVAL PENDING FINAL JUDGMENT.
Public docket mirror for Garces Perez v. Thompson, No. 5:26-cv-06038 in the Western District of Texas. It records the filing of a habeas petition and an emergency motion seeking release and a stay of removal; the underlying filings are not publicly available in the mirror, so this source does not establish their factual allegations or merits.
Docket in Garces Perez v. Thompson, No. 5:26-cv-06038 (W.D. Tex.)Docket entries 1 and 2, entered September 21, 2026Garces Perez gives a phone account from ICE detention after the shooting
Claim
During a September 21 telephone statement from ICE detention, Garces Perez said hospital staff told him a bullet was too near his spine to remove and alleged that he had not received the medical care he needed after transfer. He also gave an account of the moments before the shooting that differed from preliminary descriptions. These are Garces Perez’s attributed statements; the reports do not independently establish the medical or shooting allegations.
[05]Univision reports Wilber Garcés Pérez’s phone account from ICE detention
Source excerpt
Estoy un poco mal, tengo la bala ahí adentro todavía.
Univision reports a September 21 telephone statement by Wilber Garcés Pérez from ICE detention. It attributes to him an account of his medical care and the moments before the shooting; the report does not independently establish those allegations.
Univision reports Wilber Garcés Pérez’s phone account from ICE detentionParagraphs beginning “Desde un centro de procesamiento…,” “Estoy un poco mal…,” “Un día antes…,” and section “De la cama del hospital al piso de un centro de detención.”[06]Texas Tribune reports Wilber Garcés Pérez’s phone account after Austin ICE shooting
Source excerpt
I’m not doing very well. I have not received the medical attention that I require.
The Texas Tribune reports Garcés Pérez’s September 21 telephone remarks from ICE detention and says the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his shooting account and medical-care complaint.
Texas Tribune reports Wilber Garcés Pérez’s phone account after Austin ICE shootingOpening paragraphs describing the press conference, especially the paragraphs beginning “Garces Perez, who called into the news conference,” and “The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond.”Gina Hinojosa calls for medical attention for Garces Perez
Reaction
Texas House member Gina Hinojosa called for Wilber Rafael Garces Perez to receive urgent medical attention and criticized his reported detention by ICE after the shooting. Her statement presents the medical and detention circumstances as reported and does not independently establish them.
[07]Gina Hinojosa statement calling for medical attention for Wilber Rafael Garces Perez
Source excerpt
Right now, a man is being held with a bullet lodged in his body at a federal facility in Pearsall, Texas. He needs urgent medical attention.
Campaign statement from Texas House member Gina Hinojosa about Garces Perez's reported detention after the Austin shooting. It calls for urgent medical attention and criticizes the reported handling by ICE; it does not itself establish the medical or detention facts.
Austin police chief says APD SIU and Texas Rangers will take part in the investigation
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis released a video about the September 20 ICE incident. KVUE reported that Davis said the Austin Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the Texas Rangers would take part in the shooting investigation, asked the public not to speculate, and invited witnesses to provide evidence. The announcement does not resolve the disputed accounts of the shooting.
[08]Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis video message about the September 20 ICE incident
Source excerpt
Message from Chief Davis regarding Sunday, Sept. 20th ICE Incident
Official video statement from the Austin Police Department about the September 20, 2026 ICE shooting incident. The department's linked video addresses the ongoing investigation and requests public cooperation.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis video message about the September 20 ICE incidentPost text and attached 3:01 video[09]Man shot by ICE agents in Austin gives phone interview during press conference
Source excerpt
APD’s Special Investigations Unit and the Texas Rangers will take part in the shooting investigation.
Local report on a September 21 press conference and Chief Lisa Davis's video statement. It reports that the Austin Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the Texas Rangers will take part in the investigation, and that Davis asked witnesses to provide evidence.
Man shot by ICE agents in Austin gives phone interview during press conferenceParagraph beginning “Davis and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said”
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Any DHS narrative about the Austin shooting must be viewed with deep skepticism, and an independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted.
Sources (1)
- Letter from Rep. Greg Casar to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella · Greg CasarPage 2, paragraph beginning "ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have shot"
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 7. Dates: September 20, 2026 to September 21, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
5 responses on this page
Greg Casar"The reason we have all these cameras out here and all these people out here is because ICE has lied in virtually every single case."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the September 21 news conference on the Austin ICE shooting (Casar remarks)Rep. Greg Casar remarks, 06:22-07:05 (on-screen label: Representative Greg Casar, D, Texas, District 35)Open source (opens in a new tab)Live updates: Attorney says man shot by ICE mistook unmarked vehicle for another driverEntries for 12:48 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on September 21CondemnedCase context: Should DHS lead the investigation of the ICE shooting of a delivery driver in Austin?
Why this label?
Relative to DHS's account of the shooting, Casar states that ICE has lied in virtually every case and that its account of this one cannot be believed. That is a direct rejection of the account's reliability. Closest competing label: mixed_or_conditional loses because he sets no condition on that conclusion.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
At a Monday news conference, Casar said ICE has lied in virtually every single case and, citing earlier shootings, said the public cannot believe what ICE says about the Austin shooting.
Role at the time: U.S. Representative (D-TX 35), at a news conference with LULAC leaders
Before the statement
Casar spoke after DHS said HSI would lead the investigation and described the man as an illegal alien with a final order of removal. He had earlier said DHS's first statement was that it wanted to remove and deport the man, whom he described as a potential key witness to the shooting.
After the statement
He went on to list three demands sent to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin: release of body-camera and dash-camera footage, accountability for any wrongdoing with local law enforcement allowed to continue its criminal investigation, and safety for the community.
FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the September 21 news conference on the Austin ICE shooting (Casar remarks)Rep. Greg Casar remarks, 06:22-07:05 (on-screen label: Representative Greg Casar, D, Texas, District 35)Live updates: Attorney says man shot by ICE mistook unmarked vehicle for another driverEntries for 12:48 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on September 21Lloyd Doggett "clearly ICE has no credibility anymore. It lies. We know it lies. We've seen it demonstrated again and again, and we need the kind of independent structure to demand some accountability."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the September 21 news conference on the Austin ICE shooting (Doggett remarks)Rep. Lloyd Doggett remarks, 00:27-00:47 (on-screen label: Representative Lloyd Doggett, D, Texas, District 37)Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Doggett Reacts to Today's ICE Shooting in the District He Represents in Austin · Lloyd DoggettFull statementOpen source (opens in a new tab)Live updates: Attorney says man shot by ICE mistook unmarked vehicle for another driverEntries for 12:48 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on September 21CondemnedCase context: Should DHS lead the investigation of the ICE shooting of a delivery driver in Austin?
Why this label?
Relative to DHS's account and DHS-led investigation, Doggett rejects ICE's credibility and calls for an independent structure. Closest competing label: challenges_characterization loses because the statement denounces ICE's honesty rather than disputing one description.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
At a Monday news conference, Doggett said ICE has no credibility, that it lies, and that an independent structure is needed to demand accountability.
Role at the time: U.S. Representative (D-TX 37), at a news conference with LULAC leaders and Rep. Greg Casar
Before the statement
Doggett spoke after LULAC leaders and the man's attorney presented calls for independent oversight of immigration-enforcement shootings. He said he offered “full and unqualified support” to LULAC's recommendations.
After the statement
He also said he wants ICE out of Austin and urged that protest be carried to the polls in 43 days. His written statement on September 20 said the lack of facts about the shooting results from ICE secrecy and non-responsiveness.
FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the September 21 news conference on the Austin ICE shooting (Doggett remarks)Rep. Lloyd Doggett remarks, 00:27-00:47 (on-screen label: Representative Lloyd Doggett, D, Texas, District 37)Doggett Reacts to Today's ICE Shooting in the District He Represents in Austin · Lloyd DoggettFull statementLive updates: Attorney says man shot by ICE mistook unmarked vehicle for another driverEntries for 12:48 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on September 21
League of United Latin American Citizens"No agency should be the sole judge of its own conduct"
Open source (opens in a new tab)Man shot by ICE moved from hospital to detention center 'with a bullet in his back,' lawyer tells CNN · CNNFull article: dispute over legal status; LULAC statement; attorney interviewOpen source (opens in a new tab)Live updates: Attorney says man shot by ICE mistook unmarked vehicle for another driverEntries for 12:48 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on September 21CondemnedCase context: Should DHS lead the investigation of the ICE shooting of a delivery driver in Austin?
Why this label?
Relative to DHS leading the investigation of its own agent's shooting, LULAC states a principle against self-investigation and calls for independent oversight. Closest competing label: mixed_or_conditional loses because the principle is stated without qualification.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
LULAC's national president said no agency should be the sole judge of its own conduct and called on Congress to establish independent oversight of immigration enforcement.
Role at the time: Statement by LULAC national president Roman Palomares
Before the statement
LULAC responded to the shooting by calling on Congress to establish independent oversight of immigration enforcement and to guarantee that any DHS or ICE official who violates a person's constitutional rights is investigated and prosecuted.
After the statement
At Monday's news conference, LULAC leaders urged Congress to create an independent body outside DHS, ICE and the Justice Department to investigate use-of-force incidents, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Man shot by ICE moved from hospital to detention center 'with a bullet in his back,' lawyer tells CNN · CNNFull article: dispute over legal status; LULAC statement; attorney interviewLive updates: Attorney says man shot by ICE mistook unmarked vehicle for another driverEntries for 12:48 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on September 21- Greg Casar
"As a result, any narrative from DHS regarding this shooting must be viewed with deep skepticism and an independent investigation must be conducted."
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Letter from Rep. Greg Casar to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella · Greg CasarPage 2, paragraph beginning "ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have shot"Open source (opens in a new tab)ICE officer shoots Venezuelan man delivering food in Austin, lawyer says · NBC NewsFull article: DHS statement; senior administration official; Casar letterRead the official statement (opens in a new tab)RELEASE: Congressman Casar Demands Immediate, Independent Investigation Into ICE Shooting in Austin · Greg CasarPress release textCondemnedCase context: Should DHS lead the investigation of the ICE shooting of a delivery driver in Austin?
Why this label?
Relative to DHS's handling of the shooting, including its account and the question of who investigates, Casar expressly rejects the reliability of any DHS narrative and demands an independent inquiry. Closest competing label: challenges_characterization loses because he criticizes DHS's conduct and credibility, not one description.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Casar wrote that DHS has repeatedly lied about the facts after violent encounters involving agents and blamed victims, and that any DHS narrative about the Austin shooting must be viewed with deep skepticism and an independent investigation conducted.
Role at the time: U.S. Representative (D-TX 35), in a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella
Before the statement
An ICE officer shot and wounded a man in Austin on September 20. Casar addressed the letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella the same day.
After the statement
The letter also demands that the agent be suspended and remain in Austin, that ICE release complete and unedited footage and preserve evidence, and that DHS brief Congress by Monday, September 28.
Letter from Rep. Greg Casar to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella · Greg CasarPage 2, paragraph beginning "ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have shot"ICE officer shoots Venezuelan man delivering food in Austin, lawyer says · NBC NewsFull article: DHS statement; senior administration official; Casar letterRELEASE: Congressman Casar Demands Immediate, Independent Investigation Into ICE Shooting in Austin · Greg CasarPress release text 
Kirk WatsonDirectly involved"With the rogue nature of ICE and the chaos we’re seeing fomented by ICE, there’s no reason to be surprised. Austinites have a right to know what happened and they have a right to feel safe in their community. Though APD was not involved in the shooting, I believe that there needs to be an investigation that APD assures is clear-eyed, as complete as possible, and independent."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Mayor Kirk Watson's post on X on the ICE shooting in Austin · Kirk WatsonPost textRead the original post (opens in a new tab)Mayor Kirk Watson's Facebook statement on the ICE shooting in Austin · Kirk WatsonPost textOpen source (opens in a new tab)ICE shooting in North Austin: Texas leaders reactStatements section: Travis County District Attorney, Mayor Watson, Rep. CasarOpen source (opens in a new tab)Austin officials condemn ICE shooting of Venezuelan man, call for independent investigation · KXANParagraphs quoting Mayor Watson on ICE's credibility, the Travis County District Attorney statement, and Rep. DoggettOpen source (opens in a new tab)ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, sparking demands for full investigation · CBS NewsFull article: investigation lead; attorney quotes; Watson remarksCondemnedCase context: Should DHS lead the investigation of the ICE shooting of a delivery driver in Austin?
Why this label?
Relative to DHS's decision to have its own component lead the investigation, Watson criticizes ICE's conduct and insists on an investigation that Austin police can assure is independent; in remarks to reporters he said an ICE-only investigation would not be appropriate. Closest competing label: mixed_or_conditional loses because the request is a rejection of ICE-only control, not a conditional acceptance.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Watson said that, given the rogue nature of ICE and the chaos he says ICE is fomenting, there is no reason to be surprised, that Austinites have a right to know what happened, and that, although Austin police were not involved, there needs to be an investigation that APD assures is clear-eyed, as complete as possible, and independent.
Role at the time: Mayor of Austin, in a statement posted on X and Facebook
Before the statement
Watson wrote after an ICE officer shot and wounded a man in North Austin. He began by saying he was “very angry and extremely disappointed” and not surprised.
After the statement
He said Austin police's Special Investigation Unit was on scene and that Chief Lisa Davis had asked the Texas Rangers to assist. At a news conference, he said the credibility of ICE conducting an investigation by itself and excluding others would not be appropriate.
Mayor Kirk Watson's post on X on the ICE shooting in Austin · Kirk WatsonPost textMayor Kirk Watson's Facebook statement on the ICE shooting in Austin · Kirk WatsonPost textICE shooting in North Austin: Texas leaders reactStatements section: Travis County District Attorney, Mayor Watson, Rep. CasarAustin officials condemn ICE shooting of Venezuelan man, call for independent investigation · KXANParagraphs quoting Mayor Watson on ICE's credibility, the Travis County District Attorney statement, and Rep. DoggettICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, sparking demands for full investigation · CBS NewsFull article: investigation lead; attorney quotes; Watson remarks
Sources
(24)
Original post
DHS post on X about the Austin officer-involved shooting
Excerpt
"Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is leading the investigation"
About this source
Official DHS account on X, posted at 11:33 p.m. Central on September 20, 2026. The post does not name the man or say what led to the shooting.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Texas Tribune reports Wilber Garcés Pérez’s phone account after Austin ICE shooting
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs describing the press conference, especially the paragraphs beginning “Garces Perez, who called into the news conference,” and “The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond.”
Excerpt
"I’m not doing very well. I have not received the medical attention that I require."
About this source
The Texas Tribune reports Garcés Pérez’s September 21 telephone remarks from ICE detention and says the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his shooting account and medical-care complaint.
- Author
- Uriel J. García, Alex Nguyen and Zach Leggio
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Univision reports Wilber Garcés Pérez’s phone account from ICE detention
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning “Desde un centro de procesamiento…,” “Estoy un poco mal…,” “Un día antes…,” and section “De la cama del hospital al piso de un centro de detención.”
Excerpt
"Estoy un poco mal, tengo la bala ahí adentro todavía."
About this source
Univision reports a September 21 telephone statement by Wilber Garcés Pérez from ICE detention. It attributes to him an account of his medical care and the moments before the shooting; the report does not independently establish those allegations.
- Author
- N+ Univision
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Man shot by ICE agents in Austin gives phone interview during press conference
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning “Davis and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said”
Excerpt
"APD’s Special Investigations Unit and the Texas Rangers will take part in the shooting investigation."
About this source
Local report on a September 21 press conference and Chief Lisa Davis's video statement. It reports that the Austin Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the Texas Rangers will take part in the investigation, and that Davis asked witnesses to provide evidence.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Gina Hinojosa statement calling for medical attention for Wilber Rafael Garces Perez
Relevant passage: Full statement
Excerpt
"Right now, a man is being held with a bullet lodged in his body at a federal facility in Pearsall, Texas. He needs urgent medical attention."
About this source
Campaign statement from Texas House member Gina Hinojosa about Garces Perez's reported detention after the Austin shooting. It calls for urgent medical attention and criticizes the reported handling by ICE; it does not itself establish the medical or detention facts.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis video message about the September 20 ICE incident
Excerpt
"Message from Chief Davis regarding Sunday, Sept. 20th ICE Incident"
About this source
Official video statement from the Austin Police Department about the September 20, 2026 ICE shooting incident. The department's linked video addresses the ongoing investigation and requests public cooperation.
- Published
- Accessed
Archived source
Docket in Garces Perez v. Thompson, No. 5:26-cv-06038 (W.D. Tex.)
Relevant passage: Docket entries 1 and 2, entered September 21, 2026
Excerpt
"Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus ... filed by Wilber Rafael Garces Perez; MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ORDERING RELEASE AND A STAY OF REMOVAL PENDING FINAL JUDGMENT."
About this source
Public docket mirror for Garces Perez v. Thompson, No. 5:26-cv-06038 in the Western District of Texas. It records the filing of a habeas petition and an emergency motion seeking release and a stay of removal; the underlying filings are not publicly available in the mirror, so this source does not establish their factual allegations or merits.
- Accessed
Official statement
RELEASE: Congressman Casar Demands Immediate, Independent Investigation Into ICE Shooting in Austin
Relevant passage: Press release text
About this source
Casar's press release announcing the September 20, 2026 letter to DHS and ICE. The page metadata gives a publication time of 7:23 p.m. Eastern on September 20.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE shooting rocks Austin as Democrat demands bodycam video, independent probe
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Rep. Chip Roy and on authorities not disclosing that the man fired a weapon
About this source
Fox News report, syndicated on Yahoo, that describes Rep. Roy's post and notes that authorities had not publicly disclosed information indicating the man fired a weapon.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Rep. Chip Roy's post on X about the Austin shooting
Excerpt
"We were told the shooter is a foreign national, an illegal alien from Venezuela with a final order of removal."
About this source
Rep. Roy's post on X, which quotes another user's post about Rep. Casar's remarks. The post calls the Venezuelan man “the shooter”; his own attribution is “We were told.”
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch's post on X about the man's status
Excerpt
"Wilber entered legally and has a valid work permit."
About this source
The family's attorney's post on X, in which she states the man's entry and work-permit status and calls for his release.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Mayor Kirk Watson's post on X on the ICE shooting in Austin
Excerpt
"there needs to be an investigation that APD assures is clear-eyed, as complete as possible, and independent"
About this source
Mayor Watson's own post on X, the same statement he posted to Facebook the day of the shooting.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Who Is Wilber Rafael Garces Perez? DoorDash Worker Shot by ICE in Austin
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting the attorney's X posts and DHS's statement
About this source
Newsweek report quoting the attorney's posts on X and the DHS spokesperson's statement.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Live updates: Attorney says man shot by ICE mistook unmarked vehicle for another driver
Relevant passage: Entries for 12:48 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. on September 21
About this source
Austin American-Statesman live coverage of Monday's news conference with Rep. Doggett, Rep. Casar, LULAC and the man's attorney.
- Author
- Austin American-Statesman
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE officer shoots Venezuelan man delivering food in Austin, lawyer says
Relevant passage: Full article: DHS statement; senior administration official; Casar letter
About this source
NBC News report on DHS's statement, the attorney's account, and a senior administration official's statement that the man had no criminal history beyond being in the country illegally.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, sparking demands for full investigation
Relevant passage: Full article: investigation lead; attorney quotes; Watson remarks
About this source
CBS News/AP report noting that HSI will lead the investigation with FBI assistance and quoting Mayor Watson on ICE's credibility to investigate.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Man shot by ICE moved from hospital to detention center 'with a bullet in his back,' lawyer tells CNN
Relevant passage: Full article: dispute over legal status; LULAC statement; attorney interview
About this source
CNN report on the shooting, DHS's statement, the attorney's account, local officials' calls for an independent investigation, and LULAC's statement.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Austin officials condemn ICE shooting of Venezuelan man, call for independent investigation
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Mayor Watson on ICE's credibility, the Travis County District Attorney statement, and Rep. Doggett
About this source
Local report quoting Mayor Watson's news conference remarks and the District Attorney's statement. It notes the DHS post did not name the man.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE shooting in North Austin: Texas leaders react
Relevant passage: Statements section: Travis County District Attorney, Mayor Watson, Rep. Casar
About this source
Roundup that reproduces the full text of statements from Mayor Watson, the Travis County District Attorney, Rep. Casar and others on the day of the shooting.
- Author
- FOX 7 Austin
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Mayor Kirk Watson's Facebook statement on the ICE shooting in Austin
Relevant passage: Post text
Excerpt
"there needs to be an investigation that APD assures is clear-eyed, as complete as possible, and independent"
About this source
Mayor Watson's own statement posted the day of the shooting. The public page shows only the opening lines without sign-in; the full text is reproduced verbatim in FOX 7 Austin's roundup of official reactions.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Doggett Reacts to Today's ICE Shooting in the District He Represents in Austin
Relevant passage: Full statement
About this source
Rep. Lloyd Doggett's written statement on the day of the shooting.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the September 21 news conference on the Austin ICE shooting (Casar remarks)
About this source
Live FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the Monday news conference held with LULAC leaders and Rep. Lloyd Doggett. Speaker identified by the on-screen label and the host's introduction.
- Author
- FOX 7 Austin
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the September 21 news conference on the Austin ICE shooting (Doggett remarks)
Excerpt
"clearly ICE has no credibility anymore"
About this source
Live FOX 7 Austin broadcast of the Monday news conference held with LULAC leaders and Rep. Greg Casar. The broadcast begins during Doggett's remarks. Speaker identified by the on-screen label and the host's introductions.
- Author
- FOX 7 Austin
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Letter from Rep. Greg Casar to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella
Relevant passage: Page 2, paragraph beginning "ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have shot"
Excerpt
"any narrative from DHS regarding this shooting must be viewed with deep skepticism"
About this source
Casar's September 20, 2026 letter demanding an independent investigation of the Austin shooting, release of footage, and a congressional briefing by September 28.
- Published
- Accessed
Optional assessment
The claim
Any DHS narrative about the Austin shooting must be viewed with deep skepticism, and an independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted.
Review the excerpt
Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is leading the investigation
Location in the source: Post text
Read the source entry