Austin police arrest 8 after violent anti-ICE protests on June 9

The Austin Police Department (APD) on Tuesday announced the arrest of eight individuals during a violent anti-ICE protest the night of June 9.

Three police officers were struck by rocks, another officer suffered a shoulder injury during an arrest and was also spit on, police said.

“APD fully supports the constitutional right to peaceful protest and values civic engagement. However, unlawful actions that place the community or officers at risk will not be tolerated,” police said.

APD arrested eight individuals in connection with unlawful activity during the protest:

• Conor Williams - Criminal Mischief (graffiti at Federal Building)
• Abigail Pore - Criminal Mischief (graffiti at Federal Building)
• Alexandra Haddix - Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
• Cody Bates - Harassment of a Public Servant
• Edgar Tovar - Reckless Driving
• Shaneal Harun - Riot, Resisting Arrest
• Margarito Perez Montalvo - Interference with Public Duties, Resisting Arrest
• Hayden Perez - Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, Harassment of a Public Servant

The protest began at the Texas Capitol, which was closed at the time.

Protesters then moved through downtown Austin, and both the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and APD worked together to block traffic and allow the march to proceed.

Police said the crowd eventually gathered at the JJ Pickle Federal Building, where individuals began defacing property with graffiti.

APD officers issued dispersal orders and moved the crowd west along 8th Street.

Two individuals were arrested for criminal mischief related to the graffiti, police said.

“Tensions escalated shortly after, with agitators throwing rocks at officers. One officer was spit on in the eye,” police said.

In an effort to de-escalate, officers briefly withdrew, but the crowd advanced again. Officers held their position to prevent further damage and to protect both protestors and themselves, deploying pepperball towards the ground, to saturate the area.

DPS deployed gas to disperse the crowd to deter individuals from returning to the Federal Building.

Police said smaller groups splintered off, with some participants throwing scooters and barricades into roadways. Officers contained the situation near 7th Street and Congress Avenue.

“Multiple arrests were made, and the remaining protestors eventually dispersed. There were a total of four officers injured. At this time, all officers have been released from the hospital and treated for their injuries,” police said.

Statement from Austin Police:

“As we prepare for the potential of additional demonstrations in the coming days, you will see an increased and visible presence of officers throughout the city. Our goal remains clear: to protect the safety and rights of everyone, community members and officers alike.

“We are also leveraging technology to help us monitor and respond more effectively to unfolding events, ensuring we maintain both accountability and transparency.

“To be absolutely clear, the Austin Police Department supports peaceful protests. But we will take necessary action against agitators who engage in illegal acts that endanger public safety.

“The safety of our community and our officers remains our top priority. If you choose to participate in any demonstration, we urge you to do so peacefully. And if you witness suspicious or dangerous behavior, please report it immediately by calling 9-1-1, and proceed to leave the scene.”