A man was hospitalised after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents opened fire during an encounter in North Austin, Texas, on Sunday, with the circumstances of the shooting now under federal investigation.

A man was shot by ICE agents in Austin, Texas, on Sunday morning and taken to hospital following an incident in North Austin. His identity and medical condition had not been publicly released at the time of the reports.

The shooting occurred in the 7000 block of West Anderson Lane, near Research Boulevard and Anderson Square, according to local reports citing sources familiar with the incident.

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What happened in Austin?

The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. Witness accounts and footage described by local journalists have raised questions about what happened immediately before the agents opened fire, but authorities have not publicly confirmed those details.

Local reporter Limon Verde told CBS Austin that he had spoken to the man's wife, who alleged that her husband had been shot twice in the back.

Verde also described witness video that appeared to show an ICE SUV blocking the man's vehicle. According to his account of the footage, the man attempted to drive away as agents approached before shots were fired.

A blue Toyota Corolla at the scene reportedly had bullet holes and damage to its passenger-side door. Separate footage shared on social media appeared to show the injured man inside the vehicle following the shooting.

The man's words in the footage were reportedly unclear, and officials have not independently confirmed the accounts or circumstances described by witnesses.

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Federal investigation underway

Austin City Council member Mike Siegel, who was present at the scene, told KVUE that the shooting was under federal investigation.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that an ICE investigation was taking place in the area but did not immediately confirm whether someone had been shot or injured.

An Austin city news conference was also scheduled, with Mayor Kirk Watson, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz expected to address the incident.

US Representative Greg Casar, whose district includes part of Austin, called for an independent investigation and the release of body-camera footage.

Casar said authorities should establish what happened and determine whether any ICE officer violated the law. He also called for transparency and accountability as the investigation continues.

ICE, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Austin Police Department were contacted for further information and comment.