A DoorDash delivery driver was shot and wounded by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, prompting protesters to gather at the scene and local officials to call for a detailed investigation.
The man was identified by his attorney as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national. Authorities said he was shot once in the torso during an immigration enforcement operation in North Austin. He was initially described as being in serious but stable condition and was later released from the hospital into federal custody, according to his attorney.
What Happened to the DoorDash Driver?
According to Austin officials, the shooting happened shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday after a traffic stop and a brief foot pursuit. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said an ICE officer fired at the man, striking him in the upper torso.
Austin police were not involved in the operation that preceded the shooting. The Texas Department of Public Safety said ICE contacted state troopers for assistance in pursuing a blue Toyota Corolla, but the shooting occurred before the troopers arrived. DPS personnel subsequently helped provide medical treatment to the injured driver.
Garces Perez’s immigration attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, said he was making a DoorDash delivery when the incident occurred. She said he was able to call his wife from the vehicle after being shot.
DoorDash also confirmed that the man was in the process of making a delivery at the time and said the company was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Who Is Wilber Rafael Garces Perez?
Garces Perez’s attorney identified him as a 28-year-old Venezuelan man. His lawyer has said he had a valid work permit and had entered the United States legally, while federal officials have provided a different account of his immigration history.
The Department of Homeland Security said the man had entered the country illegally under the Biden administration and had a final order of removal. The department did not provide detailed information publicly explaining the circumstances of the encounter.
Because accounts from federal authorities and the man’s attorney differ on his immigration history, those claims remain an important part of the ongoing investigation.
Protesters Gather at Austin Shooting Scene
The shooting quickly drew demonstrators to the North Austin location near Research Boulevard and Anderson Square.
Dozens of protesters gathered around the scene, demanding transparency and information about what led to the shooting. Reports described a significant law-enforcement presence as demonstrators confronted officers and voiced opposition to ICE operations.
The situation became more tense later in the day. The Texas Tribune reported that some protesters threw rocks and water bottles as officers prepared to leave, after which police fired pepper-ball-type projectiles toward the crowd.
Reuters images from the scene showed protesters gathering near the location under Highway 183 following the shooting.
Austin Officials Seek Independent Investigation
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has called for local involvement in the investigation. He said Austin residents deserve to know what happened and argued that an investigation involving local authorities could provide greater transparency.
Austin police and the Texas Rangers are expected to investigate alongside federal authorities. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has also said it wants access to evidence collected by Austin police and requested cooperation from the federal government.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security said its Homeland Security Investigations division is leading the federal investigation with assistance from the FBI.
DoorDash Connection Draws National Attention
The incident has attracted particular attention because the injured man was reportedly working as a DoorDash driver when the shooting occurred.
DoorDash’s involvement does not mean the company was connected to the federal operation. Current reporting indicates that Garces Perez was carrying out a delivery when he became involved in the encounter with immigration officers.
The company has separately continued its normal business operations and recently announced several new initiatives, including an expanded Costco partnership and a multiyear agreement with the NHL. Its official newsroom does not currently show a public announcement specifically addressing the Austin shooting.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
As of the latest available reports, authorities have not released a complete account of the events leading to the shooting, including all details surrounding the encounter between Garces Perez and the ICE agents.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the scene, witness accounts and other available information as they determine what happened. Garces Perez’s attorney has also raised concerns about communication with his family following the shooting.
The Austin incident comes amid heightened attention to federal immigration enforcement and previous shootings involving immigration agents in different parts of the country. However, the specific circumstances of the Austin shooting remain under investigation, and additional official findings could change the understanding of the encounter.
As the Austin investigation develops, readers can share their thoughts below and stay tuned for verified updates on the DoorDash driver shooting and the ongoing federal investigation.