NEW FOOTAGE FROM WILBER PEREZ ICE PURSUIT: An Austin security company just sent me exclusive surveillance footage of DHS pursuing Wilber Perez, the illegal Venezuelan who was shot by an ICE officer. New footage shows two DHS vehicles flashing their lights and blaring their sirens as they pursue Perez, who is speeding down the street in an attempt to flee. Perez initially stated that, “An SUV rode next to him and tried to hit him” stating that he thought it was, “an aggressive driver”. He then stated that ICE officials did NOT ask him to stop or turn on ANY lights or sirens until AFTER they had sideswiped him. This newly obtained footage appears to show that emergency lights and sirens had been activated while Perez fled. It also looks like the vehicle has zero damage at this point. This footage is from Sunday, Sept 20th at 12:45pm, right before the shooting occurred. Wilber Perez, an illegal alien from Venezuela, had a final order for removal and was in the country illegally ,which is why DHS was originally pursuing him. He is currently in federal custody at an ICE processing facility in South Texas. Thank you to ATX local @Fabius_USA for sending me this footage.

I am very angry and extremely disappointed that a person was shot on the streets of Austin by ICE. While I’m angry and disappointed, I’m not surprised. This has happened in other cities. With the rogue nature of ICE and the chaos we’re seeing fomented by ICE, there’s no reason to be surprised. Austinites have a right to know what happened and they have a right to feel safe in their community. Though APD was not involved in the shooting, I believe that there needs to be an investigation that APD assures is clear-eyed, as complete as possible, and independent. I’ve discussed this with Chief Davis. Chief Davis deployed APD’s Special Investigation Unit and the Unit has been on scene this afternoon. This is the same unit that investigates Austin’s officer involved shootings. Chief Davis has also been in contact with the Texas Rangers and has asked the Rangers to assist in an investigation. This participation with the Texas Rangers will be important due to the access the Texas Department of Public Safety had early in the incident. As the city continues to receive more information, we will make sure to keep the community aware.