Attorney Says Man Shot by ICE Is Back in Detention, in Severe Pain and Unable to Access His Own Lawyer

A man shot by ICE in Texas has been returned to detention despite continuing to suffer from significant injuries, according to his attorney, who says she is currently unable to access her own client.

In a phone conversation with Cup of Culture, attorney Katie's team described a deeply concerning situation surrounding Wilbers’ condition following the shooting.

According to Katie, Wilber was taken to a second hospital in San Antonio, where he was placed on an IV morphine drip and had his arm in a sling.

He has since been returned to detention.

Katie's team told Cup of Culture that Wilber remains in significant pain and is “not doing well.” She described bruising, swelling and discoloration associated with his injuries.

But one of the most alarming parts of this situation is how little information Wilber himself reportedly has about his medical care.

According to his attorney, he does not know what treatment he is receiving or what the treatment plan for his injuries is.

And Katie says she cannot currently access him.

That means the attorney representing a man who was shot by federal immigration officers, hospitalized and reportedly required IV morphine says she cannot communicate with or gain access to her own client.

Katie also raised concerns about Wilber’s communication privileges while in detention, noting that another detainee has been afforded communication privileges that Wilber has not.

His wife has already spoken publicly about his situation at a press conference.

There are still important questions that need answers, including the full extent of Willbuls’ injuries, what medical treatment he is currently receiving, why he was returned to detention, why his attorney says she cannot access him, and what restrictions have been placed on his communications.

Cup of Culture has not independently verified all of the medical details described by his attorney. We are reporting those details as statements provided directly by his legal counsel.

He needs access to medical care

Whatever the broader immigration case may be, the immediate issue is straightforward: a person who has been shot and is reportedly experiencing serious pain, swelling, bruising and discoloration needs appropriate medical care.

His attorney should also be able to communicate with her client.

We are calling for Wilber to be released from detention so he can receive appropriate medical treatment and recover outside of a detention facility.

This is not something that should disappear into the machinery of the immigration detention system.

People should be asking where Wilber is, what treatment he is receiving, why his attorney cannot access him, and why someone reportedly experiencing this level of pain has been returned to detention.

Call for his release. Demand that he receive appropriate medical care. Demand that his attorney be given access to her client.

Cup of Culture will continue following this case and seeking answers about his condition, treatment and detention.

- Sean