In Dilley, Texas, tensions flared outside the South Texas Family Residence Center as protesters rallied against the detention of a 5-year-old boy from the Minneapolis area by ICE. Law enforcement from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrived in riot gear, leading to clashes with demonstrators. Officers used pepper spray and other crowd control measures, prompting some protesters to assist others affected by the chemicals.
The protest was organized to draw attention to the treatment of immigrant families, particularly children. Some attendees, including art teacher Sheila Vasquez, created symbols of hope like a large bird sculpture for the children inside the detention facility. The situation escalated when approximately 150 demonstrators refused to leave despite an order from police, resulting in two arrests for charges related to resisting arrest and obstructing business.
Amid the protests, U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett visited the site, condemning the conditions inside the facility as “inhumane.” The detention of the child has gained national attention, particularly after a federal judge denied a request for the immediate release of detained children pending further legal proceedings. The facility has been a contentious topic in discussions about immigration policy and family detention practices.
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