Venezuelan Man Shot by ICE Officer Returns to Federal Detention After Hospitalization

Anchorage, AK, September 22, 2026 — Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan national who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas, has been returned to federal detention. This follows a period of hospitalization due to pain and loss of sensation stemming from a bullet that remains lodged in his back.

According to his attorney, Garces Perez was admitted to the hospital again on Monday evening. He subsequently returned to ICE custody after receiving medical attention. The specific details regarding the initial incident, the exact date of the shooting, or the circumstances leading to it were not provided.

The bullet that caused Garces Perez’s injuries is still in his back, reportedly contributing to his ongoing medical concerns. Information regarding the nature of the pain and sensation loss, or the long-term prognosis for his condition, was not elaborated upon.

The individual’s immigration status and the reasons for his detention by ICE were also not specified in the provided information. The incident occurred in Austin, Texas.

Further details about the timeline of his hospitalization, the medical procedures undertaken, and the precise date of his return to federal detention were not available.

This developing situation involves a Venezuelan national who experienced a significant injury during an encounter with ICE personnel. The legal and medical implications for Garces Perez are ongoing, with his current status being federal detention following hospitalization for his injury. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.

The report indicates that Garces Perez was taken to the hospital again Monday evening. The duration and specifics of this hospitalization were not disclosed. His return to ICE custody marks the latest development in his case since the shooting incident. The specific events leading to the ICE officer discharging their firearm were not detailed in the summary.

Details surrounding the case, including the exact date of the shooting, the location within Austin, and the outcome of any official review of the use of force incident, were not provided. The current status is that Garces Perez is in federal detention, experiencing symptoms related to a lodged bullet, and has recently been hospitalized for these issues. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by Anna Wilder, Associated Press/Report for America on www.adn.com, see more information here.

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