The Austin Police Department (APD) has released mug shots of eight individuals taken into custody following a violent episode involving anti-immigrant and ICE protestors this week.
This unrest in Austin comes on the heels of nationwide protests initiated in Los Angeles on June 7. Those demonstrations, sparked by recent ICE actions, escalated with participants setting cars on fire, hurling objects at police, and damaging property over the weekend.
Protests have now spread to other significant cities, and more unrest is expected as they unfold on Saturday.
Following a protest in Austin on Monday, the APD stated they are committed to transparency and public safety, providing updates about forthcoming events, officer injuries, arrests, and preparations for the demonstrations.
“The APD fully supports the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and appreciates community involvement. However, activities that jeopardize public safety will be met with consequences,” the department emphasized in a statement.
The incident in Austin began Monday evening outside the Texas Capitol, which was not in session at that time. Protestors made their way through downtown and gathered at a nearby federal building, where they were reported to be vandalizing property.
As officers attempted to manage the situation, they issued a command to disperse the crowd, which resulted in two arrests related to the vandalism.
As tensions escalated, some individuals began throwing rocks at the police, leading them to temporarily withdraw in order to regroup. Officials stated they worked to protect both the protesters and themselves, using non-lethal methods to maintain control.
The Texas Department of Public Safety utilized tear gas in an effort to disperse individuals who were becoming increasingly confrontational, with some protesters throwing objects onto the street as officers worked to regain order.
By the conclusion of the evening, a total of eight individuals were arrested, with four officers injured, three of whom sustained injuries from rocks, while the fourth officer suffered a shoulder issue. All are expected to recover.
The arrested individuals face various charges, including criminal mischief, failure to comply with orders, and civil servant harassment.
In response to the ongoing unrest, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of National Guard troops throughout the state, emphasizing the need to maintain law and order amid escalating tensions. He reiterated that anyone engaging in violence or property damage will face the full consequences of the law.
