An illegal immigrant faces federal charges after striking an ICE officer with his car’s side mirror and sparking a high‑speed chase in Austin, Texas. Wilber Rafael Garces‑Perez, 28, appeared in court on Tuesday after a September 29 indictment.
Charges and Court Appearance
U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell presided over Garces‑Perez’s initial appearance in the Western District of Texas, where prosecutors charged him with assaulting, resisting, and impeding a federal officer. The indictment stems from a September 20 traffic stop that turned violent.
White House border czar Tom Homan told The Epoch Times that the ICE agent fired while attempting to stop Garces‑Perez as he fled. The agent said the suspect tried to evade capture.
Garces‑Perez’s attorney, Kate Lincoln‑Goldfinch, argued that her client was making a DoorDash delivery when an unmarked ICE truck sideswiped his vehicle twice. She said he was hospitalized, released into ICE custody, and still had a bullet lodged in his back.
Prosecutors allege that ICE officers stopped Garces‑Perez after confirming a final removal order, but he ignored instructions to park and exit. The complaint describes a brief, friendly Spanish conversation about where to move the car before he abruptly rolled up the window and accelerated.
Officer Injured and Pursuit
As he fled, the vehicle struck an officer in the torso with the driver’s side mirror, according to the federal complaint.
Officers pursued the suspect through commercial and residential neighborhoods with lights and sirens activated. When the car attempted to strike another officer, a officer discharged his pistol, the complaint states.
Political Reaction
Rep. Greg Casar (D‑Texas) condemned the incident on social media, calling it “terrorizing our country” and demanding an independent investigation and release of body‑camera footage. He also claimed that Perez was in a wheelchair and required surgery, a claim the Department of Justice has not verified.
DOJ Statement and Upcoming Hearing
The Department of Justice announced on September 29 that the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort to eliminate illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and protect communities from violent crime. Officials said the initiative marshals full DOJ resources to achieve those goals.
A detention hearing is set for October 2, and Garces‑Perez faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
