HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Miguel Ángel García Hernández killed shielding detainee during Dallas ICE facility shooting

Sep 30, 2025 · Dallas, TX, Mexico

Miguel Ángel García Hernández killed shielding detainee during Dallas ICE facility shooting

Miguel Ángel García Hernández, 31, a Mexican national who immigrated to the U.S. at age 13, died on September 30, 2025, from injuries sustained during a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility on September 24, 2025. He was shot approximately eight times in the shoulder, stomach, tailbone, neck, and urethra while detained. According to witness accounts and his wife's account, García shielded another young detainee with his body when gunfire began, telling the person to get under him for protection. García was married to Stephany Gauffeny, a U.S. citizen, in 2016 and was the sole breadwinner and father of four children with a fifth on the way; the family had recently purchased their first home together. He worked as a painter and contractor and had been pursuing permanent legal status through an I-130 visa petition sponsored by his wife, following legal immigration procedures. His wife said: "My husband Miguel was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family. He worked hard every single day to make sure our children had what they needed." García had been detained on August 8, 2025, on a DUI charge; evading arrest charges were later dropped. He was one of three detainees shot; a second detainee from El Salvador also died from his injuries.

Timeline

Sep 30, 2025Miguel Ángel García Hernández dies from injuries sustained in the shooting
Sep 27, 2025García remains unconscious in critical condition at Parkland Memorial Hospital, shackled to hospital bed; wife Stephany Gauffeny speaks out about his condition and family situation
Sep 24, 2025Gunman opens fire at Dallas ICE facility during transport; García shot approximately eight times in shoulder, stomach, tailbone, neck, and urethra; shielded another detainee with his body
Aug 8, 2025Miguel Ángel García Hernández arrested on suspicion of DUI; detained by immigration authorities on August 9

Sources

More incidents in Texas