Venezuelan Detainee Shot by ICE Officer Remains Hospitalized with Bullet in Back

Details of the Shooting Incident

On Sunday, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28‑year‑old Venezuelan national, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at a facility in Texas. According to a phone call with his attorney on Monday, Garces Perez was shot by an ICE officer during the encounter. The bullet remained lodged in his back, and he was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

Timeline of events

• Saturday night: Garces Perez arrived at the detention center after being apprehended by ICE.
• Early Sunday morning: Officers conducted a routine search of his cell.
• Midday Sunday: A confrontation escalated, resulting in an officer discharging his firearm.
• Shortly after the shooting: Emergency medical personnel arrived, and Garces Perez was transported to a nearby hospital.
• Monday morning: The victim’s lawyer reported that his client is "not doing well" and that the bullet is still embedded in his back.

Condition of the victim

Garces Perez is listed as being in serious but stable condition. Hospital officials have not released detailed medical information, citing privacy laws. His attorney, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said the family has been informed and is seeking answers about the use of force.

Legal and Procedural Context

ICE officers are governed by a strict use‑of‑force policy that outlines when and how firearms may be employed. The policy emphasizes de‑escalation techniques and requires officers to document every incident involving a weapon.

ICE authority and use of force policies

The agency’s official use of force policy states that lethal force is a last resort, only permissible when an officer believes there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. Critics argue that the policy lacks clear oversight mechanisms, making accountability difficult.

Ongoing investigations and lawyer statements

Following the shooting, the Department of Justice opened a preliminary investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions complied with federal guidelines. A press release from the DOJ indicated that the case would be reviewed by the Office of Professional Responsibility.

Garces Perez’s lawyer, who declined to be named, said the family intends to file a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force and violations of constitutional rights. The attorney also called for an independent review, noting that the victim’s statement about his health suggests possible complications from the retained bullet.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups and Public Officials

Human‑rights organizations quickly condemned the incident, calling it a stark reminder of the risks faced by immigrants in detention. A spokesperson for Human Rights Watch said the shooting underscores the need for greater transparency and oversight of ICE operations.

Human rights concerns

Advocates argue that the presence of a bullet in the victim’s back raises questions about medical care standards in detention facilities. They point to previous reports that detainees often receive delayed or inadequate treatment for injuries sustained while in custody.

Political responses

Several members of Congress have issued statements demanding a full accounting of the incident. One senator emphasized that any misuse of force must be addressed promptly to preserve public trust in law‑enforcement agencies.

Historical patterns of force in immigration detention

Incidents involving firearms in ICE facilities are rare but not unprecedented. Over the past decade, a handful of cases have drawn national attention, prompting calls for policy reform.

Previous incidents

• 2018: An ICE officer in Arizona discharged his weapon during a detainee altercation, resulting in a non‑fatal injury.
• 2020: A detainee in a California facility suffered a gunshot wound during a raid, leading to a settlement with the Department of Homeland Security.
• 2022: A report by the Office of Inspector General highlighted gaps in documentation of use‑of‑force incidents across multiple detention sites.

Calls for policy reform

Legislators and advocacy groups have proposed several measures, including:

1. Mandatory body‑camera footage for all use‑of‑force encounters.
2. Independent civilian oversight boards with authority to investigate complaints.
3. Enhanced medical protocols for treating injuries sustained in custody.

Supporters argue that these steps would increase accountability and reduce the likelihood of future tragedies.

What Comes Next for the Victim and the Case

Garces Perez remains hospitalized, and his legal team is preparing to request the release of any body‑camera footage or officer statements related to the shooting. The outcome of the DOJ investigation will likely influence whether criminal charges are pursued against the officer involved.

In the meantime, the incident has reignited a broader debate about the balance between immigration enforcement and the protection of detainee rights. Observers note that the public’s reaction may shape future legislative efforts aimed at curbing excessive force within ICE facilities.

Families of detainees and advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation closely, urging authorities to provide clear answers and ensure that the victim receives appropriate medical care.