Austin, TX

Thousands gather in Austin to protest ICE operations

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Thousands gather in Austin to protest ICE operations

AUSTIN, Texas – At the Pan American Neighborhood Park in East Austin, a sea of demonstrators joined together to protest ICE activity across the country.

East Austin ICE protest

An estimated 3,700 people RSVP’d to Saturday’s “Stop ICE” rally, held by State Rep. James Talarico. Featured alongside him were other elected officials, such as U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, who could be heard saying, “No more ICE terrorizing Minneapolis. No more ICE terrorizing Austin. No more!”

Besides officials, families who had been directly impacted by immigration enforcement also shared their experiences. Alongside her children, a woman named Evelyn spoke about how it’s been almost two months since she’s seen her husband after he was detained by immigration officials.

What they’re saying:

“ICE destroyed my family. It stole my husband from us, leaving us destitute. All my husband was doing that day, December 2nd, was getting gas to go to work. My husband is not a criminal,” Evelyn said through an interpreter.

Liam Ramos ordered to be released

Many eyes were still on Liam Ramos, a five-year-old detained alongside his father in Minnesota. The two are currently held at an immigration center in Dilley, Texas. At Saturday’s rally, Casar gave an update on his potential release.

“Austin, I’m glad to tell you that a judge has ordered Donald Trump to release Liam Ramos,” said Casar.

The ruling came from federal Judge Fred Biery, who on Saturday ordered the release of Liam Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from the facility in Dilley. Per the order, the pair are to be released no later than Tuesday, Feb. 3.

“The case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children,” Biery said in the order.

Other ICE detainees

But for Castro, who visited the center last week with U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, their attention now shifts to the other children and families still held in ICE detainment.

“There was also a nine-year-old named Mateo from Austin, Texas,” Castro said. “He and his family we’re picked up on New Year’s Eve, and they spent New Year’s Eve getting processed into the Dilley Detention Center.”

And as their cause moves forward, Casar urged the people of Saturday’s rally to not lose hope.

“We cannot bring back Mr. Pretti or Ms. Good. But in honor of their memories, people are rising up to demand a better world. Austin, together, we can build it,” said Casar.

The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX 7 coverage at an Austin protest.

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Austin, TX

Crews respond to grass fire near I-35 in Kyle, roads closed in the area

Published

2 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Press Room

Crews respond to grass fire near I-35 in Kyle, roads closed in the area

KYLE, Texas — Crews are responding to a grass fire near I-35 in Kyle, according to officials.

Kyle Fire Department and Kyle Police Department units responded to a grass fire near the southbound Exit 210 off I-35.

ALSO | Travis County extends burn ban for unincorporated areas amid dry conditions

Police closed Exit 210 and Center Street at the intersection of the southbound I-35 frontage road as crews worked the scene.

Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area, expect smoke and increased emergency traffic, and use alternate routes while crews worked to contain the fire.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Austin, TX

Austin Airport Announces Opening of Checkpoint 4

Published

14 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Press Room

Austin Airport Announces Opening of Checkpoint 4

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport just announced that Checkpoint 4 is finally open for general screening. Here’s what that means for upcoming travel plans.

The airport revealed the news in a Monday afternoon social media post. “Checkpoint 4 is now open at AUS for general screening,” the post reads. “Head to the far west side of the terminal for faster, easier access to gates 22 and up.”

AUS called the news “another step toward a more comfortable airport experience.” Travelers can find directions to Checkpoint 4 on the airport’s online map. It’s near popular concessions Vino Vino, Tacodeli, and Antone’s.

The airport also posted on Friday an alert about a detour that will run from Feb. 24-25, 11 p.m.-7 a.m. During that time, there will be an overnight roadway closure due to Yellow Garage construction.

Note that rental car returns and rideshare/taxi pickups should use the Red Garage entrance. Rideshare, taxi, and rental car pickup locations will be the same. Drivers should follow all detour signage and staff directions.

The airport is currently working on a multi-billion dollar expansion project that will allow it to keep up with regional growth and routinely shattered passenger records. Last year, the airport served a total of 21.6 million arriving and departing passengers, and added four new nonstop destinations and 21 new nonstop services.

Eventually, the expansion project will result in 32 new airline gates, a new concourse, Concourse A redevelopment, expanded airline ticket counters, new amenities, a larger baggage claim hall, a centralized TSA security checkpoint, and a mobility lounge.

If approved by City Council, the expansion project cost could rise to over $5 billion as the scope continues to be refined.

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Austin, TX

Downtown Austin Alliance debuts free parking pilot program

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

Press Room

Downtown Austin Alliance debuts free parking pilot program

Get ready to park it. Over the next 10 weeks, patrons at participating Downtown businesses will be eligible to receive free or discounted parking as part of the Downtown Patron Parking Pilot.

The partnership between the Downtown Austin Alliance and Austin Convention Center is meant to boost accessibility to nearby businesses during the convention center’s redevelopment.

Visitors will be able to receive two hours free (or discounted parking for longer visits) at Second Street Garage and Fifth Street Garage all day Sunday-Thursday and until 4 p.m. Friday + Saturday.

Participating businesses include Antone’s Nightclub, Revolución, Nica on 4th, El Cockfight, Elephant Room, The Creek and The Cave, HokkaiSan, Skipjack Oyster, Speakeasy Austin, and Sunset Strip Comedy Club. See the full list.

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