According to his lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Garces Pérez was later transferred to an ICE detention center, where he spent the night with the bullet lodged in his back. He is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment for paralysis on his left side.
The migrant claimed he was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the vehicle he was in was rammed by agents who, according to his account, did not identify themselves or use lights or sirens. Pérez stated that one of the agents shot him while he was inside the car.
Austin police, on the other hand, maintain that the Venezuelan tried to flee from the agents. The Department of Homeland Security also denied that Pérez had to sleep on the floor and stated that he received medical attention and painkillers during his detention.
As the investigation continues, the Travis County Prosecutor's Office requested that DHS suspend deportation proceedings against Pérez, considering that his possible expulsion could hinder his role as a key witness.