ICE Deportation Protest in Conroe Draws Crowds, Police Intervention

On Saturday, a protest against Immigration and Customs police (ICE) deportations gathered in downtown Conroe attracted a sizable gathering of protestors and spurred a robust law police reaction. Starting around 2 p.m. near the junction of W. Phillips St. and W. Davis St., the protest persisted into the evening before scattered.

Mostly young Hispanic men and women, protestors held flags from their countries of birth and posters denouncing ICE policy. A lone U.S. and Texas flag was also visible among the protestors. Local media coverage on an immigration issue between a teacher and student at Conroe High School allegedly set off the demonstration.

Originally calm, tensions rose when some demonstrators entered the streets, obstructing traffic and disregarded police orders to stay on the sidewalks. A quick argument resulted in the arrest of a lady who aimed a water bottle at an officer. As the crisis grew, law enforcement—including Conroe Police, DPS Troopers, and Montgomery County deputies—started shutting highways.

Any assaults on law officers would be punished to the maximum extent of Texas law, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon made plain. Conroe Mayor Duke Coon commended the police for handling the matter and cautioned against any future efforts to cause disturbance in the city.

By nighttime, most of the throng had scattered close to the freeway, where police had blocked lanes to reroute traffic. Authorities claimed four arrests: Anthony Lamar Richardson Jr., 26; Ruby Elizabeth Meza, 19; Duanterrus Trevon Hatchett, 24; and Zain Abedien Naboulsi Jr., 55. One young child was also taken into custody.

The demonstration takes place under increasing Trump administration immigration crackdown. According to ICE Border Czar Tom Homan, the agency would aggressively hunt illegal immigrants, including possible operations close to schools. Future raids and demonstrations are yet unknown.

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