Austin Activists Reoccupy ICE Shooting Site One Week Later
Hundreds of activists return to the scene of an ICE shooting in Austin, demanding justice and accountability.
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AUSTIN, Texas — Over 100 activists returned to the site of an ICE officer-involved shooting one week after the incident, demanding justice and accountability. The protest, organized by the Austin Chapter of the Austin Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), took place near the 7000 block of West Anderson Lane, where a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, Wilber Rafael Garces-Perez, was shot by an ICE officer on September 20.
Protesters Demand Accountability
Activists gathered late Sunday afternoon, delivering speeches from the bed of a pickup truck and receiving support from passing motorists who honked their horns in solidarity. The protest followed a similar demonstration in San Antonio earlier in the week.
Speakers at the event claimed Garces-Perez was shot in the back by an ICE officer while delivering food as a DoorDash driver. They accused the agency of targeting an individual who was allegedly in an illegal immigration status following the Biden Border Crisis. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Garces-Perez was shot after attempting to flee from an ICE officer during a law enforcement operation.
Accusations of Police Collaboration
One protester alleged that the Austin Police Department (APD) was complicit in the operation, claiming the officers had handcuffed Garces-Perez and transported him away. The speaker argued that APD’s involvement undermined the integrity of the investigation, stating, “There is no such thing as an impartial investigation by APD.”
Attendees carried signs with violent and vulgar messages aimed at ICE agents and the Border Patrol. One activist, wearing ballistic plates under a tank top shirt, held a sign that read “SHOOT ICE BACK! CHINGA LA MIGRA.”
Remnants of the Shooting Scene
Graffiti remained on overpass pillars, including threats to kill former President Donald Trump and ICE agents. A makeshift tribute was built at the foot of one support pillar, showing support for Garces-Perez and calling for ICE to leave Texas. Candles and flowers were left at the site, symbolizing remembrance and resistance.
The incident has sparked ongoing debate about immigration policy, law enforcement collaboration, and the role of activists in addressing perceived injustices.
Source: Breitbart
