• Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan man, faces assault charges after being shot by ICE agents.
• Prosecutors allege he attempted to evade officers and struck one with his vehicle.
• If convicted, Garces Perez could face up to 20 years in prison.
• He initially cooperated with officers but attempted to drive away, which led to the incident.
• The man entered the U.S. in 2024 seeking asylum but was subsequently ordered deported.

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan delivery driver, has been charged with assault after an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Austin, Texas, on September 20. According to court documents, Garces Perez is accused of striking an ICE officer with his vehicle while trying to evade arrest. He is currently facing potential sentences of up to 20 years if convicted, as announced by U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

The complaint details that Garces Perez originally provided his driver's license but refused to exit his vehicle despite officers' requests. After a brief conversation with one officer, he abruptly closed the window and attempted to drive away, sideswiping an officer and allegedly trying to strike another. The incident has raised questions, as the officer who pursued him later fired his weapon, striking Garces Perez in the back, according to CBS News and India Times.

Garces Perez entered the U.S. in 2024 under the CBP One program for asylum seekers, which was allowed during the Biden administration but discontinued by the Trump administration shortly after he took office. According to his immigration attorney, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Garces Perez had a valid work permit but missed a court hearing after the notice was sent to the wrong address, resulting in an immigration judge's removal order, as reported by India Times and Los Angeles Times.