Overview
- A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot Wilber Rafael Garces Perez during a vehicle encounter on Sept. 20, and he was treated at Dell Seton before being placed in ICE custody with a bullet lodged in his back and ongoing pain.
- Supporters have held repeated protests at the North Austin shooting site, drawing roughly 100 to 160 people and creating a makeshift memorial that organizers say seeks accountability for the shooting.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested city council candidate Misael Ramos on Saturday on a Class B charge of riot participation; he was booked into Travis County Jail and later released on a $1,000 bail.
- DPS says an affidavit and social-media and cellphone video identified Ramos taking barricades and trying to block traffic, but Ramos’ campaign and attorneys say officers did not show a warrant, deny he rioted, and contend the arrest chills lawful protest activity; an account that an officer threatened to shoot his dog is reported by the campaign but not corroborated by law enforcement.
- Multiple federal and local probes are active, the ICE officer has been placed on administrative leave, Garces Perez’s lawyers are challenging his detention and seeking expedited medical care, and a habeas hearing and further court actions will shape next steps.