SAN ANTONIO – Attendees gathered outside the Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement facility in Dilley, Texas, were met with chemical irritants during clashes with law enforcement.
Around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, protestors gathered outside the facility were demonstrating against increased immigration enforcement activity, and campaigning for the release of a five-year-old boy and his father.
The detention of 5-year-old Liam Ramos has revived international attention, with many immigrant advocates criticizing the detention as inhumane.
Many state leaders and government officials have defended the arrest, with Congressman Tony Gonzales highlighting the importance of securing the border, encouraging legal immigration, and addressing the millions already in the country who have broken the law.
We’re working to determine the types of chemical irritants deployed by agents, as well as if the agent who deployed the irritants was serving under Texas Department of Public Safety, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
RELATED | Congressman defends detention center where 5-year-old Liam Ramos is being held
Protests against ICE have been ongoing as activity, including arrests, have been increasing amid a major hiring push, and a major increase in funding under the Trump administration.
Federal officials, advocates, and lawmakers are offering sharply different accounts of conditions inside the Dilley detention center in South Texas as questions grow about the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos.
Attorneys say Liam and his father were transferred to a detention center in Dilley, Texas, located about 85 miles southwest of San Antonio.
Rep. Joaquin Castro visited the detention center on Wednesday, with the intent of meeting with Liam and his father and to assess conditions inside the facility.
Advocacy groups also mobilized outside the facility in a mostly-peaceful demonstration.
RELATED | Castro, Democrats visit Dilley Detention Center to meet detained 5-year-old, father
Tensions have escalated in recent days, with protests reported both inside and outside the center. Over the weekend, detainees demonstrated within the facility’s fences, holding signs reading “Libertad para los niños,” or “Freedom for the children.”
Advocates, including leaders with the League of United Latin American Citizens and Mi Familia Vota, allege unsanitary conditions, inadequate medical care and insufficient food for detainees, claims echoed in court filings.
The Department of Homeland Security has disputed those allegations, saying inspections show detainees receive meals, clean water, medical care and basic necessities.
Castro has said the visit is about accountability and transparency, and that his office is working to ensure the child’s safety and push for his release.
He plans to return to San Antonio on Wednesday to brief the public on what he observed and to hold a rally.
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