On Sunday afternoon an ICE officer shot an illegal immigrant from Venezuela near Anderson Square and Research Boulevard in North Austin. Within minutes the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) activated a Texas‑wide network to turn the incident into a coordinated anti‑ICE rally.
Social media blitz spreads the call for protest
At 4:19 p.m., PSL’s national account posted a capital‑letter message declaring “ICE OUT OF AUSTIN NOW!” and shared a graphic that quickly spread to the organization’s chapters in Dallas‑Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Waco. By Monday evening the post had amassed more than 5,400 likes and 2,300 shares, according to Fox News Digital.
DSA’s Austin chapter then advertised an “Emergency Demonstration/Vigil” at 8121 Research Boulevard from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., labeling the gathering “spontaneous” while simultaneously directing supporters to a specific location and time. FRSO’s Austin chapter posted similar graphics claiming ICE had shot an “unarmed civilian” and describing the incident as part of a pattern of “ICE violence and killings.”
Protest turns violent, police injured
By early evening the crowd near the shooting site swelled to hundreds. Demonstrators blocked the roadway, lit fireworks and waved large Mexican flags. Some participants threw rocks, bottles and pieces of concrete at officers. Austin police reported three officers suffered minor injuries and three police vehicles were damaged. Arrests were made on riot and resisting‑arrest charges.
Local officials condemn the unrest
Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Casar called the incident a “horror” and accused ICE of operating a “deadly mass deportation machine.” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed anger and said the “rogue nature of ICE” had fostered chaos. Both statements were issued before the Department of Homeland Security released the removal order and unlawful‑entry claim for the victim, Garces Perez.
Federal investigation continues
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet released the officer’s use‑of‑force report or body‑camera footage. Federal investigators are reviewing the shooting, and any conclusions must be based on the evidence.
ICE officer’s perspective
During a ride‑along with The Dallas Express, a veteran ICE officer said the agency’s mission has not changed, noting that “the law hasn’t changed at all. The only thing that’s changed are, you know, executive orders, priorities.” He added that field conditions have shifted, with more people attempting to flee and ICE vehicles being rammed, requiring additional training.
Trump administration’s stance on immigration enforcement
President Trump’s administration has repeatedly emphasized the importance of strong immigration enforcement and the protection of American communities from illegal entry. The coordinated protest underscores the challenges law‑enforcement faces when extremist groups seek to undermine lawful immigration policy. By maintaining a firm stance on border security and supporting ICE agents who enforce the law, the administration works to safeguard families and uphold the Constitution.
Funding links noted, but no direct control
Investigators noted that several organizations in the network have received funding linked to tech entrepreneur Neville Roy Singham, who resides in Shanghai. While the funding relationship does not prove that Singham directed the Austin demonstration, it highlights the broader financial connections that can influence activist mobilization.
The incident serves as a reminder that while peaceful protest is a protected right, organized attempts to incite violence against law‑enforcement officers threaten public safety and the rule of law.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
