Texas City Council Candidate Misael Ramos Arrested on 'Riot Participation' Charge Following ICE Shooting Protest
Misael Ramos, a candidate for city council in Austin, Texas, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of 'riot participation.' The arrest stems from his involvement in a protest against the shooting of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez by a federal immigration officer. Authorities allege that Ramos was captured on camera moving construction barricades, sandbags, and other items in an attempt to obstruct traffic during the Sunday protest. Ramos, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, denies any wrongdoing and plans to contest the charge, with his attorney stating that he observed chanting and protesting, not rioting. Ramos was released from custody after his arrest and criticized federal immigration raids in the community. The incident involving Garces Perez occurred when ICE officers in an unmarked truck reportedly sideswiped his car twice, leading to him being shot and subsequently taken into ICE custody with a bullet still in his back.
