Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan delivery driver, underwent surgery on Thursday to remove a bullet that had been lodged in his back for nearly two weeks. He was shot by a federal immigration agent in Texas last month.
Mr Garcés Pérez appeared in court on Wednesday in a wheelchair and wearing an arm sling. He remains in custody, facing charges that he assaulted an officer while trying to evade arrest.
His legal team's spokesperson, Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz, confirmed that the bullet was successfully removed during the surgery. Mr Garcés Pérez is now recovering under the custody of the US Marshals.
Authorities state that Mr Garcés Pérez struck an officer with his side mirror on 20 September while attempting to drive away after a traffic stop. The federal officer who shot him was reportedly not wearing a body camera. Mr Garcés Pérez faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the assault charge.