Multiple Texas Cities See Anti-ICE Protests With Arrests, Clashes

On Monday night, hundreds of protesters gathered near the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas for an anti-ICE rally in solidarity with recent immigration raids in Los Angeles. The demonstration escalated as some participants ignored police orders to disperse, leading to clashes where protesters threw water bottles, fireworks, and rocks at officers. Dallas police declared the protest an unlawful assembly and used pepper spray and smoke to clear the crowd, resulting in only one arrest: 27-year-old Gerardo Velasquez, charged with assault on a public servant and attempting to take a weapon from an officer. Despite the tense moments, the protest was largely peaceful, and Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux emphasized the goal of keeping everyone safe during such events. Meanwhile, in Austin, similar anti-ICE protests led to at least eight arrests on charges including criminal mischief and riot, with police using pepper balls and tear gas to disperse crowds. Both cities are preparing for upcoming demonstrations with increased police presence to ensure safety and lawful protest activities.