SAN ANTONIO — Protests in Austin have broken out in support of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, an undocumented migrant who was shot and wounded by an ICE agent.
One week later, more protests are happening Sunday in Austin and San Antonio.
A smaller but determined group of about 20 people gathered at the federal courthouse, calling for court proceedings for all migrants in custody.
“People are taking to the streets to demand that something be done,” said Joseph Montellano, a protester.
“A lot of them end up in ICE detention without a trial,” said Soren, who did not want to give their last name and is with the Democratic Socialists of America.
Protesters would also like to see detention facilities close and an end to cooperation between SAPD and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. That is why the protest started between the federal courthouse and police department.
“And making sure that they report all cooperation that does happen,” Soren said.
They also want the city to make an ordinance preventing ICE agents from pulling people over, like Perez was in Austin.
The Department of Homeland Security said Perez was in the country illegally with a final order of removal.
Supporters of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration are concerned about the possibility of criminals entering the country illegally and the economic threat migrants may pose to legal workers.
But Robert Padgett disagrees. He says he has worked with undocumented migrants in the past, and they deserve to make a living in the U.S. as long as they are not committing crimes.
“I’ve worked in the restaurant industry. I’ve worked in concrete. Everyone is out here trying to survive,” Padgett said.
He feels so strongly about how undocumented migrants are being treated that he was one of two people arrested during protests outside an ICE detention facility in Dilley back in January, and one of four arrested during last week’s protests in Austin.
“That’s from a pepper ball. I got shot in the shin. In case the gas wasn’t affecting me, that’s what I assume,” Padgett said.
Padgett says he was holding a sign and demonstrating before he was arrested, and that he did not touch an officer. Despite feeling like his First Amendment rights have been stepped on, he says he will not quit coming to protests like these.
In regard to today’s protesters’ demands, there are currently state laws, like Senate Bill 4, that prevent local agencies from limiting the enforcement of immigration law. But that is not going to stop them from trying to change those laws and at least asking for more transparency.