New insights have emerged regarding the arrest of Chad Michael Watts, a 45-year-old man from Kyle, in connection with a student protest against ICE operations in Buda, Texas. Watts was taken into custody on February 3, facing two counts of assault causing bodily harm, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. He was subsequently booked into Hays County Jail and released the following day after posting a $5,000 bond.
The incident gained significant attention after video footage circulated on social media, prompting widespread reactions and inquiries about the events that transpired.
Details of the Incident
An arrest affidavit detailed a timeline of the altercation, which occurred on February 2. Around 1:30 p.m., a large group of students from Johnson High School participated in a protest, brandishing anti-ICE signs as they gathered at the intersection of FM 1626 and RR 967, located near their school.
Approximately an hour and a half later, Buda police responded to reports of a physical confrontation, where witnesses described an adult engaging in a fight with juveniles before leaving the scene heading south on FM 1626. Hays County deputies soon located Watts’ vehicle and conducted an investigative stop.
According to the affidavit, initial interviews and video evidence from witnesses helped reconstruct the incident. As Watts drove southbound and paused at a red light, he became involved in a verbal exchange with a group of students. One girl allegedly kicked the passenger door of his vehicle, although police later confirmed there was no damage. After returning to her peers, the girl was approached by Watts, leading to a physical confrontation where they exchanged blows. During the scuffle, Watts reportedly struck her in the throat.
The two individuals fell into a drainage ditch, where the confrontation intensified. Watts allegedly charged at the girl, forcing her to the ground while standing over her. Another student, attempting to defend her, struck Watts, prompting him to push her down. Following this, another juvenile tackled Watts, who then grabbed one of the girls by her hair and dragged her across the ground as others attempted to intervene. The altercation continued until Watts retreated to his truck and drove away, leaving the scene amid further disturbances from the students.
Ongoing Student Protests
The protest in Buda was part of a larger movement, with student walkouts taking place across the Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) on February 2. Hundreds of students from five different campuses, including Hays and Johnson high schools, participated in the demonstration.
Community members expressed their support for the students’ actions, emphasizing the importance of exercising First Amendment rights. The district reported that participation levels varied, with an estimated five to 15% of students from each school joining the walkouts, which began around 1 p.m. at four campuses, while Lehman High School’s protest commenced later at 2:50 p.m.
Student walkouts continued into the following days, with more schools across Central Texas participating in protests against federal immigration enforcement, including districts such as Pflugerville ISD, Manor ISD, and Austin ISD. On Thursday morning, students at Bedichek Middle School in Austin took to the streets with signs, followed by a similar demonstration at IDEA Rundberg College Preparatory later that day.
Information regarding Watts’ arrest and the events surrounding the protest has been drawn from official arrest documents and previous coverage.
