Hays County DA Investigating Fight at Student-Led Anti-ICE Protest

Brawl between students and adult man during demonstration in Buda draws scrutiny from local officials.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Hays County District Attorney's Office is investigating a physical altercation that occurred during a student-led protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Buda, Texas. The incident involved an adult man and several high school students, and was captured on video. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky have both condemned the violence and called for patience as the police investigation continues.

Why it matters

Student-led protests against ICE have been occurring across Texas, drawing attention and concern from state officials. This incident highlights the potential for tensions to escalate when adults confront minors engaged in political demonstrations, raising questions about the appropriate response and the role of law enforcement in maintaining order.

The details

According to reports, the confrontation occurred on Monday at the intersection of FM 1626 and RM 967 in Buda, near Johnson High School, where around 500 students had gathered to protest recent ICE enforcement actions. A video shows a physical altercation between a young woman on the sidewalk and a man in a car, which then escalated to involve multiple people. Buda police responded to the scene and are working with the Hays Consolidated Independent School District to collect witness statements and video evidence.

  • On Monday, around 3 p.m., Buda Police responded to the incident at the intersection of FM 1626 and RM 967.
  • The student-led protest at Johnson High School occurred on Monday.

The players

Ruben Becerra

Hays County Judge who called on the District Attorney's Office to investigate the incident and condemned the violence directed at minors.

Lee Urbanovsky

Buda Mayor who acknowledged the incident and urged the community to exercise patience as the police investigation continues.

Hays Consolidated Independent School District

The school district is working with Buda Police to collect witness statements and video evidence from students involved in the protest.

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What they’re saying

“An adult should have 'clear responsibility to exercise restraint, especially in the presence of children.' Violence or intimidation directed at a minor … has no place in a constitutional republic that depends on the rule of law rather than force.”

— Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge (KXAN)

“This is an emotionally-charged and sensitive issue involving minors that has deeply impacted and rightfully concerned our community. I am urging the community to exercise patience and allow the Buda Police Department to complete their investigation.”

— Lee Urbanovsky, Buda Mayor (Facebook)

What’s next

The Hays County District Attorney's Office will continue its investigation into the incident, and the Buda Police Department is working with the Hays Consolidated Independent School District to gather additional evidence from student witnesses.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential for tensions to escalate when adults confront minors engaged in political demonstrations, and underscores the importance of maintaining order and respecting the rights of student protesters, while also ensuring the safety of all involved.