AUSTIN, Texas — People across Austin are continuing to speak out after an ICE agent shot a man in North Austin on Sunday, with multiple protests and gatherings planned for this weekend.
Many questions remained unanswered after the shooting.
Wilber Garcés Pérez is being held at the ICE detention center in Pearsall. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, said he visited Garcés Pérez this week and said a bullet is still lodged in his upper torso. Casar said a specialist told Garcés Pérez he needs surgery.
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“He’s in a wheelchair and a sling, bleeding out of the wound in his back and covered in bruises on his front. He’s trying to keep his spirits up, but he’s certainly in severe condition,” Casar said.
The Department of Homeland Security told CBS Austin that medical decisions are up to treating doctors, not ICE, and said Garcés Pérez is receiving around-the-clock medical care, including pain medication.
Austin police video shows Garcés Pérez pulled over during the initial encounter. Austin police said there was a vehicle pursuit and that about 10 to 15 minutes later, he was shot under an overpass. His attorney disputes the claim that he fled.
Questions remain about what happened after the initial stop and during the pursuit, what led to the shooting under the overpass, and whether a surgery will be scheduled.
Multiple events are planned this weekend, including a gathering and a walkout today calling for ICE out of Austin. Another event is planned Sunday near Anderson Square and Research Boulevard, close to where the shooting happened.
Protests erupted after the shooting Sunday night, with demonstrators blocking Research Boulevard and Anderson Square for hours. Austin police said officers suffered minor injuries after people threw rocks, concrete, and water bottles. Police and DPS troopers eventually shot pepperballs, cleared the area and made multiple arrests.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow faster deportations of migrants to countries where they have no ties.
The Associated Press reported the administration wants to limit the time people have to object before they are removed. The request is before the court and is not a ruling.