Texas Man Charged for Attacking Student Protesters

Authorities say the 45-year-old was the "primary aggressor" in the incident involving high school students demonstrating against ICE raids.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A video posted on social media shows a 45-year-old Texas man, Chad Michael Watts, getting out of his pickup truck and starting a fight with a high school student who was protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Watts was charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury, which are misdemeanors. Police reviewed the video and found that he was "the primary aggressor" in the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tensions between adults and student protesters, particularly around issues of immigration enforcement. It raises concerns about the right of young people to freely express their views without fear of violence or retaliation from those who disagree with them.

The details

During a student walkout in Buda, Texas, on Feb. 2, police said Watts got out of his truck and got into a fight with a minor who was protesting immigration and law enforcement operations. On Tuesday, Watts was charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury, which are misdemeanors. Police reviewed the video and found that he was "the primary aggressor" in the incident.

  • On February 2, 2026, the incident occurred during a student walkout in Buda, Texas.
  • On February 3, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned student walkouts and threatened to withdraw funding from schools that allow them.
  • On February 4, 2026, Buda police said new information shows the incident started with a verbal altercation followed by a student kicking Watts' truck.

The players

Chad Michael Watts

A 45-year-old Texas man who was charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury for attacking a high school student during a protest.

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who condemned student walkouts and threatened to withdraw funding from schools that allow them.

Ruben Becerra

The Hays County Judge who urged Governor Abbott to "stay in the lane of governing the state" in response to his threats against student protesters.

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What they’re saying

“Schools and staff who allow this behavior should be treated as co-conspirators and should not be immune to criminal behavior.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (X)

“Stay in the lane of governing the state.”

— Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Chad Michael Watts out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions between adults and student protesters, particularly around issues of immigration enforcement. It raises concerns about the right of young people to freely express their views without fear of violence or retaliation, and underscores the importance of open dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than attempts to silence or suppress dissent.