AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE) ā Several individuals detained by Austin police during a protest against ICE have been released from jail, with charges dropped for at least one detainee. Esau Gutierrez, who was among those arrested, shared his experience.
“I regret, none in the slightest. I do not regret my actions whatsoever,” he said.
Gutierrez says he and at least four others were detained while protesting in downtown Austin, with one individual still in custody.
The protest took place Saturday night when demonstrators blocked traffic at the intersection of East Sixth Street and Congress Avenue. Gutierrez described his time in jail as “jarring.”
“I know it was hours but it felt like days in a room where there was no windows, a light that was always on and flickering,” he said.
RELATED: Protest against ICE in Austin leads to arrests and claims of police aggression
Upon his release, Gutierrez was met by supporters outside the Travis County Jail.
“It filled me with joy, and most importantly, it filled me with strength,” he said.
The group later attended a vigil to honor Renee Good and Keith Porter, who were killed by ICE agents this year in Minnesota and Portland.
One of the vigil organizers, known as “Z,” emphasized the importance of community solidarity.
“To see that Iām not the only one angry,” they said. “It was very relieving.”
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The group also expressed support for the individual still detained, shouting messages of love and solidarity outside the jail. Authorities have yet to provide further details on the arrests.
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