AUSTIN — A Venezuelan delivery driver who was shot by a federal immigration agent in Texas had surgery Thursday to remove the bullet lodged in his back for nearly two weeks.
\n\nWilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, had appeared in court in a wheelchair on Wednesday, wearing a sling on his arm. He remains in custody on charges that he assaulted an officer while trying to evade arrest.
\n\nGarces Perez struck an officer with his side mirror on Sept. 20 while trying to drive away, authorities said. The federal officer who shot Garces Perez, and who allegedly was hit by the side mirror of Garces Perez’s car, wasn’t wearing a body camera.
\n\nGarces Perez faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the assault charge.
\n\nThe bullet was successfully removed during surgery, and Garces Perez is recovering in the custody of the U.S. Marshalls, said Fabiana Melendez Ruiz, a spokesperson for his legal team.
\n\nHis case has sparked outrage and protests in the Texas capital city against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, including agents’ conduct.
\n\nGarces Perez said he was struck by a law enforcement SUV and spun around before he was shot. Federal officers told investigators, however, that…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business