11 Arrested After Conroe I-45 Deportation Protest

**Eleven “Shut Down ICE Houston” Protesters Arrested After Blocking I-45 in Conroe, Facing Felony Charges**

**CONROE, Texas** – Eleven individuals affiliated with the activist group “Shut Down ICE Houston” were arrested Monday morning, June 17, after staging a protest that shut down a major artery of Interstate 45 northbound traffic for approximately three hours in Conroe. The demonstrators chained themselves to the FM 3083 overpass and strung a large banner across the lanes, causing significant disruption to morning commuters.

The incident commenced around 7:15 AM when protesters positioned themselves on the overpass, deploying a banner emblazoned with “STOP DEPORTATIONS” and “FREE THEM ALL.” They also dropped leaflets onto the freeway below, criticizing the Biden administration’s immigration policies, specifically highlighting recent deportation flights to Venezuela and alleged poor conditions within immigration detention centers.

The protesters’ method of chaining themselves together and to the bridge structure itself required a multi-agency response from the Conroe Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Conroe Fire Department. SWAT teams were called to the scene, utilizing ladders and specialized cutting tools to safely detach and remove the individuals from the overpass. The complex operation led to a complete cessation of northbound traffic on I-45, resulting in miles of backed-up vehicles, with the scene not fully cleared until around 10:30 AM.

Conroe Police Chief Jeff Christy confirmed the arrests, stating that all eleven individuals now face felony charges of obstruction of a highway and misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass. Conviction for felony obstruction of a highway in Texas can carry serious penalties, including potential state jail time.

In a statement released by “Shut Down ICE Houston” following the arrests, the group asserted that their action was intentionally timed to disrupt morning commutes, aiming to maximize visibility and draw public attention to their opposition to ongoing deportations. They specifically condemned the Biden administration’s policies, which they argue continue to perpetuate inhumane treatment of migrants and facilitate deportations, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations like Venezuelans.

The protest comes amidst ongoing national debate and evolving policies surrounding immigration. The Biden administration has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum regarding its handling of border security and immigration enforcement. Recent months have seen a resumption of direct deportation flights to Venezuela, a country grappling with severe economic and political crises, a move that has drawn strong condemnation from human rights and immigrant advocacy groups. These groups often point to the dangers faced by individuals returned to Venezuela and the conditions in U.S. immigration detention centers as reasons for their protests.

The “Shut Down ICE Houston” group is part of a broader national movement advocating for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanding an end to deportations and the closure of detention facilities. Their tactics often involve direct action designed to cause disruption and draw media attention to their cause.

The arrested individuals are currently being processed, and details regarding their arraignments are expected in the coming days. The incident served as a stark reminder to local commuters of the far-reaching impact of such protests on daily life and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing public demonstrations while ensuring public safety.