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. Davis said APD worked collaboratively with the Texas Department of Public Safety to "safely block traffic and allow the march to proceed."
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, then the crowd eventually gathered at the JJ Pickle Federal Building, where it escalated quickly.
Davis 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.
APD said following the disruption, "officers issued dispersal orders and moved the crowd west along 8th Street."
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 during an arrest and was spit on in the eye by a protester, according to Davis.
"In an effort to de-escalate, officers briefly withdrew, but the crowd advanced again," a release from APD said.
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."
Department of Public Safety Law enforcement deployed tear gas against a group of "ICE Out" protesters in downtown Austin. (KXAN photo)According to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, "more than a dozen" protesters were arrested Monday night.
The individuals arrested during the Monday night anti-ICE protests were Conor Williams for misdemeanor criminal mischief, Abigail Pore for misdemeanor criminal mischief, Alexandra Haddix for misdemeanor failure to obey a lawful order, Cody Bates for felony harassment of a public servant, Edgar Tovar for misdemeanor reckless driving, Shaneal Harun for misdemeanor charges of riot and resisting arrest, Margarito Perez Montalvo for misdemeanor charges of interference with public duties and resisting arrest, and Hayden Perez for misdemeanor failure to obey and felony harassment of a public servant.
APD said it plans to have 100% staffing ready this weekend in anticipation of any protests. APD said the Austin community can expect to see an increased and visible presence of officers throughout the city in the coming days.
KXAN Reporters Brianna Hollis and Grace Reader contributed to this report.
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