An agent of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shot and injured a man this Sunday during an operation in northern Austin, Texas, in an incident that is still under investigation.
The shooting occurred in the 7000 block of West Anderson Lane, near the US 183 highway and Research Boulevard. Three state and local officials confirmed to the Austin American-Statesman that a federal agent shot at the man.
The victim was transported to a hospital by the emergency services of Austin-Travis County. According to information provided by the city, she was conscious and able to speak when she received medical assistance. So far, her identity and an updated report on her condition have not been made public.
The Austin Police clarified that their officers did not participate in the incident.
"The Austin police officers were not involved in the situation, and we do not know what caused the incident," municipal officials stated in a communication sent to members of the City Council.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed to FOX 7 Austin that ICE was in charge of an investigation at the scene, but initially did not provide details about the circumstances that led to the shooting.
So far, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not publicly disclosed their detailed version of events, so it is unclear what happened immediately before the agent used his weapon.
A dark blue Toyota Corolla was parked under the overpass at Research Boulevard and West Anderson Lane. Journalists noted damage to the passenger side door and marks that appeared to be bullet strikes.
State agents arrived in the area to manage traffic as numerous people gathered around the perimeter set by the authorities.
Democratic federal representative Greg Casar, whose district includes part of Austin, called for an independent investigation and the immediate release of the body camera recordings from the officers.
"The horror has arrived in our city: ICE shot a person in Austin this morning," wrote Casar on X.
The congressman added that, "as the facts emerge," he will demand a complete and independent investigation, the release of body camera footage, and accountability if any officer has broken the law.
Democratic state representative Vikki Goodwin also spoke out about the incident, assuring that more details would be revealed later. "We will obtain more information, but this violence cannot continue," she wrote.
The shooting occurs amid prior tensions in Austin regarding the cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration agents.
In January, city police responding to a call about disturbances notified ICE after identifying a woman with a immigration administrative order. Federal agents subsequently detained the woman and her five-year-old daughter, and the family later stated that both were deported. This incident prompted Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis to review the department's policies regarding cooperation with ICE.
The incident this Sunday occurs amid increased scrutiny over the use of firearms during immigration operations. NBC News documented more than 20 shootings involving ICE agents or Border Patrol since the beginning of the second Trump administration.
This week, ICE agent Christian Castro was arrested in Minnesota and faces state charges related to a shooting that occurred during the Metro Surge Operation. Castro is charged with assault and providing false information regarding that incident; the charges are still pending judicial resolution.
Austin authorities have called a press conference for 4:00 p.m. this Sunday at City Hall, featuring Mayor Kirk Watson, Police Chief Lisa Davis, and Emergency Services Chief Robert Luckritz, where they are expected to provide new details about the incident.
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