October 1, 2026

On Sunday 9/20/26, Wilber Garcés Peréz was shot by ICE and hundreds of Austin residents took the street. The Austin Lawyers Guild (ALG) issues the following statement to help provide clarity about the unfolding situation. 

Understandably, many rumors have swirled in the last week and a half. We want to ensure the community is kept well informed on verified information. Any movement that confronts the police will see repression. But if you are adequately informed and prepared, such repression will only fan the fire of resistance. Remember, spreading panic is harmful. Use caution when sharing speculations and information you cannot verify. We can keep ourselves and our movements safe!

Arrests on 9/20:
Around 10 PM on Sunday 9/20, DPS and APD made, by our count, six arrests at the site of the protest. Individuals were booked in on various alleged misdemeanor and felony offenses. Charges ranged from class b misdemeanor obstruction of highway and riot charges to felony assault and attempted assault of an officer charges. A handful of charges were rejected by the County and District Attorney’s Offices, and the rest remain pending for prosecution. 

Arrest Warrants:
In the week that followed, we learned that DPS sought warrants for some of those they allege to have been at the protest. At present, it is believed that six individuals have been arrested on these warrants. Each of these warrants were for one class b misdemeanor riot charge (Texas Penal Code § 42.02). Each of the individuals have been released from jail on a personal recognizance (PR) bond. At present, the ALG has no further information regarding other outstanding DPS warrants, for class b misdemeanor riot charges or any other charge. 

Questioning and Searches:
Some of those arrested were first taken and questioned by DPS regarding upcoming actions, and organizations/those DPS has identified as leaders within the movement. They have also asked for permission to search individuals’ cell phones. If you are arrested by any agency, for any reason, remember that you have a right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. You do not, and should not, consent to any searches of your person or property. The best way to keep ourselves and our community safe is to never speak to the police.

FAQs

What should I do if I am arrested, if police come to my door, or if I am questioned?

Remain silent, ask for a lawyer, do not consent to a search. If you are contacted in any way by police, DPS, or Federal Agents in any way, regardless of your believed innocence, the most important and effective measure is to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Any statements you make to law enforcement can and will be used against you. Lying to law enforcement can result in additional criminal charges. Do not consent to any searches. When you have the opportunity, contact your lawyer or the ALG at 512-817-4254. Inform the community about the details of the questioning/police encounter. Transparency is key as it allows others to make preparations and grows our solidarity as a movement.  

Check out additional NLG Know Your Rights info, here: 

https://www.nlg.org/know-your-risks-2/

I have heard there are 20 DPS warrants. How many warrants are out there?

We do not know. We know 6 warrants have been executed. We do not know how many more DPS might have applied for. 20 is an unverified number.

Can I check if I have a warrant?

It depends. Unfortunately, there are no easy ways to check for DPS warrants online. Often DPS does not file their warrants until they are served (i.e. until someone is arrested on it). 

If DPS has filed the warrant with the Clerk’s Office, then it could be searchable on the Public Travis County Odyssey Portal:

https://odysseyweb.traviscountytx.gov/Portal/.

Search by entering you Last Name, First Name and look for “warrant issued” under the case status column. Remember, if your search does not result in any matches, that does NOT necessarily mean that no warrant exists, but rather, that DPS has not filed any warrant against you with the Clerk’s Office. You may or may not have a warrant, regardless of what is available on the Odyssey Portal. 

If you learn specific information and suspect you have a warrant, call the ALG hotline at 512-817-4254.

Is it possible DPS has applied for warrants for offenses other than class B riot?

Yes, it is possible. Again, we have no further information about this at this time.

How are DPS identifying people for the warrants?

Various ways, including your social media posts. DPS is using a variety of tactics to identify individuals, including but not limited to, publicly available videos from the protest posted to personal and public social media channels. Remember, police can and do rely on your videos to ID attendees and repress movements. Best practice is to not livestream, film, or photograph at demonstrations. If you do choose to, be sure to not take or post photos that can be used to identify someone. 

Are DPS using facial recognition software or other AI technologies to identify people?

Likely yes. We know that DPS, as well as other law enforcement agencies, use AI and facial recognition platforms in their operations, including software such as Clear AI, and Penlink programs such as Tangles, among others. We can feel reasonably sure they are using these tools to identify further individuals.  

What if I’m feeling worried about myself or a loved one?

That’s normal! Being worried in moments of repression is not only understandable but expected! Tactics such as these are deployed to chill dissent and keep us from resisting police/ICE violence. But we are stronger and safer when we stand together, continue showing up for each other, and refuse to cooperate with the police. Repression breeds resistance! 

Other questions? Contact the ALG at 512-817-4ALG (4254) or at austinlawyersguild@protonmail.com