Texas bishop denounces ICE shooting in Austin, says people ‘living in terror and fear’

Bishop Daniel E. Garcia of the Diocese of Austin denounced a shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on Sept. 20. The incident left a man wounded after he was shot by an officer in Austin, Texas. A lawyer for the man stated he was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the encounter occurred.

In a statement released Sept. 20, Bishop Garcia said he was saddened and disturbed by the event. He noted that increased activity by ICE agents on local streets has caused people to live in terror and fear. He also suggested that many individuals are being detained based on the language they speak or the color of their skin.

Bishop Garcia called for an immigration policy that respects the rule of law while recognizing the dignity of every person. He said the incident weakened the credibility of a federal agency intended to protect the public. He asked the people of the Diocese of Austin to pray for the wounded man, his family, and the community. He also requested that federal, state, and city authorities remain transparent and honest during the investigation to maintain confidence in government entities.