Austin city council candidate arrested for riot participation

Misael Ramos, an Austin city council candidate and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of “riot participation.” The arrest occurred on a Saturday morning, approximately one week after Ramos participated in protests regarding the shooting of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez by a federal immigration officer.

Ramos’ attorney, Edmund Skip Davis, stated that his client is accused of engaging in a riot on September 20, the day of the protests. Ramos denies any wrongdoing and intends to contest the charge, with his legal counsel noting that the protests consisted of people chanting rather than rioting.

The incident involving Garces Perez, described by his attorney as an asylum seeker with a valid work permit, occurred during an encounter with an immigration officer. Following the shooting, Garces Perez was taken to a detention center, sparking various protests in Austin, including demonstrations at the Texas Capitol.