Austin Police provides new details into anti-ICE protest
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department held a press conference at noon Tuesday to discuss Monday night's protest and its response.
APD Police Chief Lisa Davis discussed 'results from the large gatherings' at the department's headquarters. David said APD worked collaboratively with the Texas Department of Public Safety to facilitate the peaceful protest.
Previous: Anti-ICE march held in solidarity with LA protests; Arrests made, DPS uses tear gas
The protest began around 7 p.m. Monday at the Texas Capitol. Anti-capitalist group Party for Socialism and Liberation organized the initial march and shared its route with APD ahead of time. APD said the protest moved through the downtown Austin area, where it escalated quickly.
Around 8 p.m. Monday, the marchers returned to the Capitol. They broke off into smaller groups over the next hour.
David said in the press conference that, through the use of drones, APD and DPS discovered individuals graffitiing the federal building. Two individuals were arrested for spray painting the building's windows, according to Davis.
Davis said tensions climbed when large rocks began being thrown towards officers. 3 officers were injured from the rocks, and another suffered a shoulder injury and was spat on in the eye by a protester, according to Davis.
The Texas Department of Public Safety was also involved in the law enforcement response to the protest. APD confirmed that it deployed pepper balls toward the ground, and DPS used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
City policy implemented after protests in 2020 prohibits APD officers from using tear gas.
DPS released the following statement on Tuesday in response.
'The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a duty to protect the people and property of Texas. On Monday evening, DPS personnel responded to a planned and publicized protest at the Texas State Capitol Complex. While we do not discuss operational specifics, DPS collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our citizens and state property, as well as to protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights to assembly and free speech. As with any incident response, the department adjusts its operations, including personnel and resources, as needed to address potential and emerging threats.
During Monday evening's response, DPS personnel deployed tear gas and pepper ball projectiles to ensure officer safety and maintain order. DPS personnel arrested four individuals on various charges, including felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
Texas is a law-and-order state. DPS will continue monitoring future events and their impact on public safety across the state, and we stand ready to protect the people and property of the great state of Texas,' DPS said.
According to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, 'more than a dozen' protesters were arrested Monday night. APD said it plans to have 100% staffing ready this weekend in anticipation of any protests.
KXAN Reporters Brianna Hollis and Grace Reader contributed to this report.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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