Venezuelan Man Shot by ICE Agent Faces Assault Charges; Gold Deals Under Scrutiny

A Venezuelan national, Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, who was shot by a federal immigration agent in Texas, has been charged with assaulting a federal officer. Prosecutors allege Garcés Pérez struck an officer with his vehicle's side mirror while attempting to flee. The incident occurred on September 20th, and Garcés Pérez reportedly still has a bullet lodged in his back.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration's efforts to engage with Venezuela's gold industry are facing criticism. Deals are being brokered with companies operating in a sector known for corruption, with one involved company even being considered a security threat by the U.S. Reports from a Venezuelan gold town indicate that despite U.S. support and trader involvement, the investment has not yet led to improvements in the dire conditions within the mining industry. These developments come as Venezuelans rally, demanding the safe return of an opposition leader and the scheduling of presidential elections.