Full Breakdown
Austin City Council Candidate Arrested After ICE-Shooting Protest
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: ICE Shooting Sparks Citywide Demonstrations
An ICE officer shot Wilber Rafael Garces Pérez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan DoorDash driver, during a traffic stop in north Austin. Pérez was taken to a hospital, released into ICE custody with a bullet lodged in his back, and a federal judge temporarily blocked his deportation. His attorney warned that surgery may be needed to remove the bullet.
Details of the Arrest
On Saturday, Texas Department of Public Safety officers encountered Misael Ramos, a 40-year-old candidate for Austin’s District 1 City Council, while he was walking his dog. Officers detained Ramos without presenting a warrant and later booked him at the Travis County Jail on a Class B misdemeanor charge of “riot participation.” Ramos denied wrongdoing, saying he only observed chanting and protesting. His campaign manager described the arrest as evidence of “the level of impunity” felt by law-enforcement toward community members.
Official Responses
- Travis County Sheriff’s Office: Spokeswoman Kristen Dark confirmed Ramos was booked around 9:30 a.m. on the riot-participation charge and noted that further details would come from DPS.
- DPS: Has not provided comment on the arrest or the number of individuals taken into custody.
- Austin Police Department: Reported that at least four people were arrested during the Sunday protest on charges including rioting, resisting arrest, assault on a peace officer, and obstructing a highway.
Community Reactions and On-the-Ground Reports
Neighbors filmed five officers in DPS and Texas Rangers uniforms surrounding Ramos and ordering him to stop. Legal advocates held a press conference outside the jail, condemning the arrest and calling for transparency, access to counsel, and respect for constitutional protest rights. Students staged walkouts, chanting “Abolish ICE” and expressing solidarity with Pérez. School officials emphasized safety while acknowledging the students’ civic engagement.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: Ramos faces a Class B misdemeanor for riot participation.
- Arrests: Reports vary, citing at least three additional arrests for resisting arrest and rioting, while the Austin Police Department notes at least four arrests overall.
- Protest Size: Video evidence suggests roughly 150 participants were present, with an estimated 20 individuals observed committing criminal acts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of Arrests: Sources differ on the total count—some mention “at least three” additional arrests, others reference “at least four” overall.
- Warrant Status: Ramos’ campaign asserts no warrant was shown; an affidavit referenced by attorney Paul Quinzi suggests warrants may have been issued for up to 20 others, but the document is not publicly available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The fact that he didn't even know that there was a warrant out for his arrest, I think, speaks to the ways in which the deployment of state police to do the work of this administration is causing enormous concern and fear in our community,” — Jeffrey Clemmons
- “People have a constitutional right to gather, speak, protest, and criticize the government,” — George Lobb, attorney, Austin Lawyers Guild
- “While we respect our students' civic engagement, student safety is our primary concern,” — Travis Brunner, principal
What’s Next
A press conference is scheduled for the afternoon outside the Travis County Jail to address the arrests and protest conditions. Campaign officials indicate they will contest the riot charge in court. Additional protests are planned, and legal groups are preparing challenges to the pre-trial conditions imposed on arrested demonstrators.