ICE officer wounds Venezuelan man in Austin during pursuit

An ICE officer shot a Venezuelan man who was in the United States illegally and subject to a final removal order during a foot pursuit in North Austin around 1 p.m. on Sunday. The victim was taken to a local hospital with a torso wound and is listed as serious but stable, according to Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the department was not involved in the shooting but that a small foot chase occurred, and police investigators are on the scene working with Homeland Security Investigations and other state agencies. Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed the city police were not part of the incident.

The Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed whether the ICE agents were wearing body cameras or provided details about the suspect’s criminal background beyond the immigration violation. A DHS spokesperson said the agency will look into the matter.

U.S. Representative Greg Casar demanded an independent investigation, the release of any body-camera footage, and accountability for the officer involved. He also requested a congressional briefing by Sept. 28. Representative Joaquin Castro and other Texas officials called for full accountability and an investigation. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office asked to be a co-equal partner in the investigation.

Civil-rights groups, including the League of United Latin American Citizens, urged Congress to establish independent oversight of immigration enforcement. Protesters gathered at the shooting site, expressing shock at the incident.