Chad Michael Watts, 45, of Kyle, was arrested Feb. 3 on two counts of assault causing bodily injury after a physical confrontation at a student walkout protesting ICE operations. Video of the incident, which began as an argument between a girl on the sidewalk and a man in a vehicle, circulated widely online and showed the altercation escalating into a multi-person fight. Authorities located and interviewed Watts after he left the scene and determined he was the primary aggressor. Hays County officials condemned the conduct and underscored students' rights to peaceful assembly.
Video Shows Texas Man Confronting Students at ICE Walkout — Arrested on Assault Charges
Hays County Jail
A 45-year-old Texas man has been arrested on assault charges after a physical confrontation with students taking part in a walkout protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Who was arrested: Authorities identified the suspect as Chad Michael Watts of Kyle. The Buda Police Department said Watts was arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 3, on two counts of assault causing bodily injury related to the altercation that occurred the previous day.
What happened: Police were dispatched shortly before 3 p.m. after reports of a fight in progress. The incident was recorded on video that circulated widely online. Officers arriving at the scene were told a girl standing on the sidewalk had been arguing with a man in a vehicle; the disagreement "escalated into a physical altercation involving multiple people," according to the department.
Watts left the scene before officers arrived, but investigators later located and interviewed him. "After further thorough investigation, it was determined that Watts was the primary aggressor," police said in a statement.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said the circulating video "appeared to show an adult confronting students with visible hostility, followed by an escalation that resulted in physical contact involving a minor." He emphasized that the students were lawfully exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
"No matter one's political views, an adult bears a clear responsibility to exercise restraint, especially in the presence of children," Becerra added. "Violence or intimidation directed at a minor — particularly during a lawful, peaceful demonstration — has no place in a constitutional republic that depends on the rule of law rather than force."
According to Hays County jail records, Watts remained held at the Hays County Jail as of Wednesday morning. The Buda Police Department did not immediately release additional details about any ongoing investigation or potential court dates.
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