Venezuelan detainee shot by ICE agents returns to hospital for paralysis treatment

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, has been returned to a hospital for medical treatment related to paralysis in his left side. The hospitalization follows a shooting incident involving a federal immigration agent in Austin, Texas. His attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, confirmed the transfer on Monday night, noting that she planned to visit him the following morning to assess his condition.

The incident occurred while Perez was working as a food delivery driver. According to his account, his vehicle was sideswiped by federal agents who did not identify themselves or utilize emergency lights and sirens. Perez stated that he was shot by an agent while he remained inside his car.

Following the shooting, Perez was initially taken to a hospital for treatment. However, he was transferred on Sunday to an immigration detention facility located approximately 130 miles southwest of Austin. During a news conference held on Monday, Perez participated via a phone call to describe his experience while in custody.

During the call, Perez reported that he was still bleeding from his gunshot wound and expressed concerns regarding the quality of medical care he was receiving. He further stated that he was forced to sleep on the floor of the detention center. These claims regarding his physical state and the conditions of his confinement were shared publicly by his legal representative.

The situation remains under review as legal counsel continues to advocate for Perez’s medical needs. The transition back to a hospital setting marks the latest development in the aftermath of the encounter with federal immigration authorities.