Texas bishop denounces ICE shooting in Austin, says people ‘living in terror and fear’
Bishop Daniel E. Garcia condemned an ICE shooting in Austin, Texas, describing it as deeply saddening and disturbing. He urged the faithful to pray for the injured DoorDash worker, his family, and the wider community while calling for a transparent investigation. The bishop highlighted the broader fear among residents due to increased ICE activity, stressing the need for an immigration policy that respects the rule of law and human dignity. Austin officials have requested an independent inquiry into the incident. Video evidence shows the victim’s back wound and the officer’s actions during the encounter.
9 days ago
The Sept. 20 shooting of Venezuelan migrant Wilber Rafael Garces Perez during an ICE operation in Austin has prompted Bishop Daniel E. Garcia to call for transparency, prayer, and immigration policies that uphold both the rule of law and human dignity. Federal officials say Perez fled an attempted arrest, while his attorney disputes that account and says he did not know the pursuing vehicle belonged to ICE. 1 2
Garces Perez, 28, was shot during an ICE operation in north Austin and taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound to his torso. Reports said he was in stable but serious condition; he was later transferred to federal immigration custody. 1 2
His attorney said Perez was making a DoorDash delivery when the encounter occurred. Video showed a Toyota Corolla and an unmarked Ford SUV stopped beneath a highway overpass, while witnesses reported hearing multiple shots. 1 2
The Austin Police Department said its officers were not involved in the ICE operation and that the shooting occurred before state troopers arrived. The Texas Department of Public Safety said ICE requested assistance during a vehicle pursuit shortly afterward. 2
The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting involved an “illegal alien from Venezuela” who had entered the country illegally and had a final order of removal. DHS said the man was in stable condition and remained in federal custody pending removal. 1 2
Federal accounts reported that agents identified a deportation order, attempted to arrest Perez, and pursued him after he drove away. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the incident. 1 2
Perez’s attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, disputed the government’s characterization of his legal status and the circumstances of the shooting. She said he entered the United States lawfully through the CBP One program, possessed a work permit, and may have missed an immigration hearing after notice was sent to an outdated address. 1 2
Lincoln-Goldfinch also said an unmarked vehicle sideswiped Perez’s car and that he did not realize the occupants were ICE agents. She alleged that officers shot him after another collision, while disputing that he knowingly fled identified law-enforcement personnel. 2
Perez told his attorney by telephone that a bullet remained near his spine, that he was not receiving adequate medical care, and that he had slept on the floor at the ICE facility. 2
Bishop Garcia said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by the shooting and described residents as “living in terror and fear” amid increased ICE activity. He said clergy and parishioners had reported instances of people being detained while carrying out ordinary daily activities. 1 2
He called for prayers for Perez, his family, the people involved in the incident, and the wider Austin community. Garcia also urged federal, state, and city authorities to be transparent and honest so that public confidence in government institutions could be strengthened. 1 2
Garcia said he had taken the extraordinary step of dispensing people who were afraid from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. He connected the shooting and broader immigration concerns to the Church’s teaching that every person possesses dignity regardless of immigration status. 2
Austin officials called for an independent investigation, while the federal investigation is being led by Homeland Security Investigations with FBI assistance. The available reports do not describe a final official finding about whether the shooting complied with law-enforcement rules. 1 2
Garcia advocated comprehensive immigration reform and “a viable immigration policy” that respects the rule of law while recognizing the dignity of every person. During National Migration Week, he said differences in citizenship should not diminish the protection owed to any human being. 1 2
Catholic doctrine demands humane treatment of migrants in law enforcement
Yes. Catholic doctrine requires law enforcement to treat migrants humanely and to respect their equal human dignity, regardless of immigration status. Every migrant possesses fundamental rights that must be respected “in every circumstance.”
This does not deny a state’s authority to control its borders or enforce immigration law. The Catechism recognizes that governments may establish legal conditions for immigration, and migrants must obey just laws. But enforcement must uphold due process, avoid cruelty and discrimination, and protect vulnerable people. The USCCB teaches that detention should serve public safety—not deterrence or punishment—and that alternatives should be preferred where possible.
Thus, Catholic teaching holds together two principles:
Pope Francis summarized the principle by stating that the rule of law is measured by the dignified treatment owed to everyone, especially the poor and marginalized; orderly migration policy cannot be built through force or the sacrifice of some people’s equal dignity.
Therefore, “humane treatment” is not merely a charitable preference. It is a moral requirement governing how immigration laws may be applied. Catholic doctrine does not, however, determine every specific enforcement procedure; particular policies must be judged according to human dignity, justice, proportionality, and the common good.