Bishop Daniel E. Garcia of the Diocese of Austin is calling for prayer, transparency and respect for human dignity after a federal immigration officer shot a Venezuelan man during an encounter in north Austin on Sunday.
The Sept. 20 shooting involved 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, who was wounded during an attempted arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Federal authorities and the man’s attorney have offered differing accounts of the events leading to the shooting, according to EWTN News.
In a statement released the day of the incident, Bishop Garcia said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by what had occurred and expressed concern about the fear surrounding increased immigration enforcement in the community.
“We find ourselves in a time in this country and city, when people are living in terror and fear because of the increased activity of ICE agents on our streets,” Garcia wrote in the statement published by the Diocese of Austin.
The bishop asked Catholics throughout the diocese to pray for Garces Perez, his family, everyone involved in the incident and the wider Austin community. He also called for authorities investigating the shooting to provide a clear account of what happened.
“As an investigation begins, let us pray that the Federal, State and City authorities will be transparent and honest about what occurred this afternoon, so that confidence in our governmental entities may be strengthened, not weakened,” Garcia wrote.
According to EWTN News, ICE agents encountered Garces Perez after determining that he was subject to a deportation order. Federal officials said he drove away after being told he would be arrested, prompting a brief vehicle pursuit.
The Department of Homeland Security said it was investigating the officer-involved shooting with assistance from the FBI. DHS described Garces Perez as a Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally and had a final order of removal, according to EWTN News.
Garces Perez’s attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, disputed portions of the government’s account. According to EWTN News, she said her client did not realize the people pursuing him were ICE agents and alleged that an unmarked vehicle had struck his car. She also said Garces Perez entered the United States legally and possessed a work permit.
Garces Perez was reportedly working on a DoorDash delivery when the encounter occurred. His attorney said Monday that he had been transferred to the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall after receiving hospital treatment.
During a news conference, Garces Perez called his attorney and said in Spanish, “Iʼm not doing well because of the gunshot I received,” according to EWTN News. His attorney said he reported that a bullet remained near his spine and alleged that he was not receiving adequate medical treatment while in custody.
His condition was described by DHS as stable, according to EWTN News.
The shooting has also intensified concerns within the Diocese of Austin about the effects of immigration enforcement on Catholic families and parish communities.
Garcia told EWTN News on Sept. 22 that clergy and parishioners have reported “specific instances” of people being detained while carrying out ordinary daily activities.
“When good, hardworking people become fearful that they may be targeted because of their ethnicity or appearance, we all have a responsibility to listen and to speak to the human reality that exists within our communities,” Garcia told EWTN News.
The bishop said he has taken the extraordinary step of dispensing Catholics who are afraid to leave their homes from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
Garcia’s response has emphasized a central principle of Catholic social teaching — that the dignity of a human person does not depend upon citizenship or immigration status.
“Regardless of a person’s immigration status, every person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses an inherent dignity that must always be respected and protected,” Garcia wrote.
His remarks come as Catholics observe National Migration Week from Sept. 21–27. In a separate message ahead of the observance, Garcia encouraged Catholics to look beyond political debates and statistics and recognize the humanity of migrant families and children living within their communities.
Following the shooting, Garcia again called for comprehensive immigration reform and an approach that recognizes both legitimate government authority and the dignity of migrants.
“We continue to call for a viable immigration policy that respects the rule of law while recognizing the dignity of every person,” he wrote.
As authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the bishop asked Catholics to respond first with prayer.
“May God bring healing to those who are suffering, wisdom to those entrusted with responsibility, and peace to all who are affected,” Garcia wrote. “May our Lord Jesus calm our hearts and guide us toward a response worthy of our shared humanity.”
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