The US Department of Homeland Security has rejected claims made by Democratic politicians and some media outlets about the treatment of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan national shot by an ICE officer during a pursuit in Austin. Perez was hospitalised in stable condition, while the incident triggered protests, congressional criticism and demands for his release. DHS accused its critics of spreading false information and said ICE would continue operating in Austin.

More than 100 Democratic lawmakers claimed Perez was receiving inadequate medical care and still had a bullet lodged near his spine; Representative Greg Casar separately described ICE officers as “liars with masks”. DHS said Perez was receiving round-the-clock treatment and pain relief, denied that ICE had interfered with medical decisions, and said he had slept on a bed after being returned to detention. The agency also disputed claims that Perez had entered legally or held a valid work permit, saying he had entered unlawfully, lacked protective status and had a final removal order. Former acting ICE director Jonathan Fahey argued that Democratic opposition was politically motivated, though those claims were presented as his opinion.