Venezuelan man shot by ICE agent in Texas, mayor calls for independent probe

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson on Tuesday urged an independent investigation into a recent incident that involved both local police officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Watson said the city’s law‑enforcement agencies should be part of any inquiry and warned that allowing ICE to conduct the probe alone could compromise transparency and public trust.

The mayor’s request follows growing community concerns about the coordination between the Austin Police Department and federal immigration officials. Watson emphasized that an independent review, with participation from local authorities, would ensure a thorough assessment of procedures, accountability measures and compliance with city policies. The call for a joint investigation aims to address unanswered questions surrounding the incident while maintaining oversight of both municipal and federal actions.