The man who was shot in Austin, Texas by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been identified as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, according to the BBC. Protests have now erupted, with local officials seeking answers from federal authorities.
Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch told CBS that Perez called his wife while “yelling in pain” in hospital. She told National Public Radio that he was in ICE custody. He has also demanded that body camera footage be released, and said there should be “accountability for any ICE officer who broke the law.”
The mayor and police have demanded an independent probe into the shooting. Texas Congressman Greg Casar, a Democrat, has demanded a full and immediate independent investigation into the incident.
The Austin Police Department told a local CBS News affiliate that the victim was injured and was transported to hospital. The shooting occurred before DPS troopers arrived at the scene, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Sheridan Nolen said. “We are deeply concerned that his wife and family have not been permitted to see him and have not received a meaningful update regarding his current condition or whereabouts,” Lincoln-Goldfinch said in a statement.
No Austin police officer was reportedly involved in the shooting.
“They should know the truth,” he said, adding that he is pleased that the city will be involved in the investigation.
