PEARSALL, Texas – Protesters demanded the release of a man who was shot by an immigration official from the South Texas Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center in Pearsall on Sunday.
“We’re demanding that he get surgery to remove that bullet,” organizer David Torres said, “and we’re demanding the detention centers close, and deportations must stop.”
Tensions rose about 10 minutes after the protest began when law enforcement instructed protesters to not block the street. Officers soon pushed them to the sidewalk, but that was the extent of contact KSAT observed Sunday.
“Wilbur currently still has a bullet right next to his spine on his left side,” Torres said. “He is now paralyzed on his left side of the body.”
Perez was shot one week ago in north Austin by an officer following a reported attempt by ICE to take Perez into custody while he was working to make deliveries for DoorDash.
The attorney representing Perez said he had a valid work permit, but the Department of Homeland Security said that permit expired in 2025 and does not grant legal status.
Torres said the shooting and his perceived subsequent lack of medical attention given to Perez is another example of the brutality ICE is authorized to use.
ICE said it is not an authority on medical procedures for people in its custody, and that Perez is receiving medical care around the clock, including pain medication.
Brook Ontiveros said her family has been impacted by ICE and shared that her husband is also being detained inside the Pearsall ICE facility.
She said her husband came to the U.S. to support his family and hopes the protesters’ message is heard by those who can change things so her family can be reunited.
“I hope it reaches the highest person who’s in charge of any of these facilities,” Ontiveros said. “Most immigrants are not criminals. They’re just trying to come here and work for their families.”
In a statement, ICE said it will continue to carry out its mission.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, if you break the law, you will face the consequences,” DHS said. “ICE is unapologetically enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.”
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