Man shot by ICE in Texas has surgery to remove bullet lodged in his back

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Published: 2026-10-02T12:26:35.913Z • Permanent link

Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a 43-year-old Venezuelan delivery driver, was shot by a federal immigration agent in Texas on September 23rd, 2023. According to reports, the incident occurred at a gas station in El Paso, Texas, where Pérez was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Pérez, who was driving a delivery van for a local company, was allegedly attempting to enter the United States without proper documentation. ICE officers reportedly fired a single shot, striking Pérez in the back. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove the bullet lodged near his spine.

Pérez remains in custody, awaiting further proceedings. His lawyers claim that the shooting was unjustified and that Pérez was not a threat to anyone. ICE officials have declined to comment on the incident, citing an ongoing investigation. Pérez's case has sparked widespread outrage in Venezuela, with many expressing concerns about the safety of migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the shooting, citing concerns about the use of excessive force by law enforcement.

Pérez's family has released a statement, expressing their gratitude for the medical attention he received and their desire for a thorough investigation into the incident. The Venezuelan government has also expressed its concern, with Foreign Minister Jorge Arévalo saying that Pérez's case is a "serious matter" that requires international attention.

The shooting of Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, particularly in the context of immigration and border security. The incident highlights the complexities of enforcing immigration laws, particularly in the face of an increasingly porous border. For research communities, the case raises important questions about the use of force by law enforcement agencies and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

The incident also has broader implications for the tech industry, which has long been criticized for its role in facilitating human trafficking and smuggling. Companies such as Google and Facebook have faced scrutiny for their failure to adequately police online platforms used by traffickers and smugglers. The shooting of Pérez has sparked renewed calls for greater regulation of these companies and more effective policing of online platforms.

The Data Sources domain is also closely tied to the world of finance, where investors and traders closely monitor economic indicators and market trends. The ongoing debate over immigration reform has significant implications for the U.S. economy, which relies heavily on international trade and investment. The shooting of Pérez has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the economy, particularly in the wake of a global economic downturn.