Kyle Man Arrested After Violent Clash With Students During Buda School Protest Sparks Outrage
In Buda, Texas, a 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged with assault after a physical confrontation with students during a large walkout protest outside Moe and Gene Johnson High School on Monday, escalating tensions over immigration policy that have spread across Central Texas.
The incident erupted as hundreds of Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) students participated in a peaceful protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations — walking out of classes to express their opposition to agency raids and immigration enforcement activities. The protest was one of several similar demonstrations taking place across the state as students nationally rally over immigration issues.
Heated Confrontation Turns Physical
According to police reports and viral footage circulating on social media, the confrontation began when an adult male identified as Chad Michael Watts of Kyle, Texas engaged in a heated verbal exchange with a student near the intersection of FM 967 and FM 1626.
Witness videos show the situation quickly intensifying, with the adult man making physical contact with a female student, knocking her to the ground before other students intervened. Several juveniles pushed back against him and restrained him until the moment he walked away to his vehicle.
Local law enforcement and deputies from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office responded to calls of a fight in progress and took over the investigation. Both the adult and the minor involved reported minor injuries, declined medical attention, and were later interviewed by police.
Kyle Man Arrest and Charges
On Tuesday afternoon, officers served a warrant and arrested Watts, charging him with two counts of assault causing bodily injury in connection with the altercation. Investigation continues to determine whether additional charges may be filed as more evidence and witness statements are reviewed.
Police and county officials emphasized that the fight did not occur on school property, but on a nearby public roadway, and the students had gathered outside school grounds during the school day.
Official Reactions and Community Response
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra released a statement condemning the violence and urging restraint from adults regardless of political viewpoints, particularly when minors are involved. “An adult bears a clear responsibility to exercise restraint, especially in the presence of children,” Becerra said.
Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky called the incident “emotionally charged and sensitive,” urging the community to allow the police to complete their work before drawing conclusions. He stated that students should be able to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully without facing harassment or violence.
Students at the protest voiced frustration and said the demonstration was meant to draw attention to ICE activities they see as disruptive to immigrant families — values rooted in their understanding of civic engagement and constitutional rights.
Student Protests Spread Across Central Texas
The Buda walkout was part of a broader wave of student protests across Central Texas, with demonstrations reported at campuses throughout Hays CISD, Pflugerville ISD, Manor ISD, Bastrop ISD, and Austin ISD last week. Many students marched peacefully, holding signs and chanting, while others engaged in discussions with community members about immigration policy and civil liberties.
While most protests remained nonviolent, the confrontation in Buda highlights the potential risks that arise when public demonstrations intersect with charged political sentiments and adult interference.
What This Means Now
Why this matters now: As student activism continues to grow nationwide, especially on issues like immigration enforcement and civil rights, local authorities are being tested on how to balance public safety, free speech, and protester protection. This incident has sparked debate over adult involvement during youth protests, with officials stressing the importance of protecting minors who are exercising First Amendment rights. It also reflects broader community tensions surrounding enforcement policies and civic participation.
This event is part of a larger conversation about school district policies, student discipline, and how communities respond to youth-led advocacy. Officials in Hays CISD are reviewing their policies on walkouts and student conduct, while law enforcement continues their inquiry into this specific confrontation.
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