Man Arrested After Altercation with Students During Anti-ICE Protest in Texas

Chad Michael Watts, 45, faces assault charges following incident near Buda high school

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged with assault after an altercation with students during an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Buda, Texas. The incident occurred as students across the state staged walkouts to demonstrate against ICE operations and alleged killings by federal immigration officers.

Why it matters

The student-led protests have drawn a strong response from Texas officials, with Governor Greg Abbott indicating the state is exploring ways to strip funding from districts that condone the walkouts. The arrest of an adult confronting students during the protest highlights the tensions surrounding the issue of immigration enforcement.

The details

Viral footage shows Chad Michael Watts, 45, confronting students near Johnson High School in Buda, leading to a physical altercation and Watts' arrest on assault charges. The Texas Education Agency has also released guidance empowering the Education Commissioner to investigate districts and potentially appoint monitors or replacement boards if violations related to the protests occur.

  • On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott responded to the student-led walkouts on X.
  • Starting Friday, students in Houston and Austin began walking out to protest ICE operations and alleged killings by federal immigration officers.
  • The incident with Chad Michael Watts occurred near Johnson High School in Buda.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who responded to the student-led walkouts on social media.

Chad Michael Watts

A 45-year-old man who was arrested and charged with assault following an altercation with students during an anti-ICE protest in Buda, Texas.

Mike Morath

The Texas Education Commissioner who has been empowered to investigate districts and appoint monitors or replacement boards if violations related to the protests occur.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.