Austin council candidate charged with riot participation after ICE protest

A Texas city council candidate, Misael Ramos, was arrested on Saturday morning on a misdemeanor charge of “riot participation.”

The charge relates to the protests on 20 September over the shooting of Venezuelan asylum‑seeker Wilber Rafael Garces Perez by a federal immigration officer in Austin. Ramos, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, denies any wrongdoing and says he only observed chanting and protesting.

Ramos’ attorney, Edmund Skip Davis, said his client will contest the allegation. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Ramos was booked into custody at about 9:30 a.m. on the charge, but further details are pending from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

After his release, Ramos addressed supporters outside the county jail, thanking them and expressing surprise at the arrest while condemning federal immigration raids. His campaign manager, Jeffrey Clemmons, said Ramos joined the protest to condemn the shooting and show solidarity.

The incident that sparked the protests involved Garces Perez, who was shot while making a DoorDash delivery after ICE officers allegedly sideswiped his car. He was taken to a hospital and then to ICE custody with a bullet still in his back.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Eric Yeich / Pexels.