Immigration Protest at Texas Capitol Ends in Chaos as Police Deploy Tear Gas

A protest against federal immigration enforcement in downtown Austin escalated into chaos Monday night, prompting police to deploy tear gas and pepper spray. The demonstration, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation in response to recent federal immigration raids, began peacefully at the Texas Capitol with hundreds advocating for immigrant rights. Participants marched to the J. J. Pickle Federal Building, which houses ICE offices, to continue their protest.

Police directed a smaller group of protesters to leave the area, but when they refused, officers formed a line and issued warnings. At approximately 8:50 p. m. , police discharged tear gas canisters, prompting demonstrators to flee down Congress Avenue. By 9:15 p.

m. , around 30 protesters regrouped at the Capitol gates. The Austin Police Chief confirmed that her department did not use tear gas, indicating that the Texas Department of Public Safety was responsible for the action. The altercation underscores rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in cities with strong sanctuary policies, as advocacy groups call for accountability and renewed focus on immigrant rights.