Representative Greg Casar (D) visited Wilber Rafael Garces Perez at the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall on Wednesday, three days after an ICE officer shot him in North Austin, and called for his release into medical care.
Rep. Casar said Garces Perez saw a specialist for the first time during the day and was told he needs surgery to remove the bullet still lodged in his body. Casar also said he inspected the gunshot wound below Garces Perez's neck and observed heavy bruising across his chest.
According to Casar's account of the visit, Garces Perez said he was discharged from the hospital within hours of the shooting without speaking with his physician and did not learn the bullet remained in his body until more than a day later.
Garces Perez also told Casar that he spent his first night at a processing facility without a bed, wearing his hospital gown and experiencing significant pain. Casar said Garces Perez received stronger pain medication by injection about an hour before the congressional visit.
"I saw the conditions of Wilber's injuries, and just like anybody who had been shot three days ago, he needs a doctor - not a deportation or detention center," said Casar. "My message to ICE is very clear: release Wilber from detention to get him the medical care he desperately needs."
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D) also called for Garces Perez to receive medical treatment and for an independent investigation. In a statement, Castro said Garces Perez told his staff he had permission to work in the U.S. and was delivering for DoorDash when he was shot.
Casar is seeking a full investigation by local, state and federal authorities, including access to body-camera and dash-camera footage. He said federal agents involved in the shooting are scheduled to be interviewed Thursday and called for local law enforcement to participate.
