Over 100 Protest in Austin After ICE Shooting of Venezuelan Man During DoorDash Delivery A protest in Austin, Texas, drew over 100 demonstrators demanding justice for Wilber Rafael Garces-Perez, a Venezuelan national shot by an ICE officer during a targeted operation. Slightly more than 100 protesters returned to the scene of last Sunday's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer-involved shooting of a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, Wilber Rafael Garces-Perez, who the agency alleges is illegally in the United States and had a final order of removal. The protest, organized by the Austin Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), featured several activist speakers who shouted anti-ICE chants to the crowd. It took place near the 7000 block of West Anderson Lane late Sunday afternoon, feet from where the shooting occurred on September 20. Speakers at Sunday's protest alleged Garces-Perez was shot in the back by ICE as he was delivering food as a DoorDash delivery driver. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Garces-Perez was in the United States illegally after entering during the Biden Border Crisis. DHS officials allege he was in an illegal immigration status and had a final order of removal. On September 20, an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer attempted to apprehend him during a targeted law enforcement operation. DHS says Garces-Perez tried to flee, and during the encounter, an ICE officer shot him. After receiving emergency medical treatment, he was placed in an ICE detention center in Pearsall, Texas.DHS issued a statement shortly after the shooting rebutting false information circulated in the immediate aftermath. The statement warned that resisting officers and evading arrest is dangerous for officers, illegal aliens, and the public. It reminded the public that resisting officers and evading arrest is a felony and a federal crime. The statement also criticized sanctuary politicians, saying they need to stop encouraging this dangerous behavior that puts officers and the public at risk.Breitbart Texas observed the event as organizers delivered speeches from the bed of a pickup truck, while passing motorists honked their horns in support. One protester spoke out against the Austin Police Department, alleging officers were complicit in the operation carried out one week ago. The speaker asserted the city's police officers played a larger role in the incident. There is no denying the collaboration between APD and ICE, as it was APD that handcuffed Wilber and carried him away, the speaker said. There is no such thing as an impartial investigation by APD. We see with our own eyes. They are just as complicit in this violence and terror.The attendees at Sunday's protest, just feet away from the scene of last week's ICE shooting, carried signs, some with violent and vulgar messages aimed at ICE agents and the Border Patrol. One activist who wore front and back ballistic plates under a tank top shirt carried a sign that read SHOOT ICE BACK! CHINGA LA MIGRA. Graffiti remained on the overpass pillars one week after the shooting that included threats to kill President Donald Trump and ICE agents. A makeshift tribute was crudely constructed at the foot of one support pillar bearing signs showing support for Garces-Perez and calling for ICE to leave the state of Texas. Candles and flowers have been left behind and now sit on a small table at the site.The protest reflects ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local activists in Austin. DHS has defended the officer's actions, emphasizing the dangers of resisting arrest. The Austin Police Department has not publicly responded to allegations of collaboration with ICE. The incident has drawn attention to the broader debate over sanctuary city policies and immigration enforcement. As the investigation continues, community members remain divided, with some calling for transparency and others supporting ICE's mission.