Conroe ICE Protest: Father Arrested on Overpass

**Father Arrested During Contentious Anti-ICE Protest in Conroe Over Daughter’s Deportation Hearing**

**CONROE, TX – June 19, 2024** – A protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the scheduled deportation hearing of Conroe resident Melanie Gonzalez escalated into a contentious confrontation last Friday, June 14, leading to the arrest of her father, Carlos Gonzalez, on a felony charge. The incident unfolded on a busy Interstate 45 overpass, drawing a swift response from local law enforcement.

The demonstration, organized by local immigration advocates, began at Conroe City Hall before protesters moved to the I-45 northbound overpass at State Loop 336 South (also known as South Loop 336). A group of protesters unfurled a banner over the interstate, expressing solidarity with Melanie Gonzalez and calling for an end to deportations.

According to the Conroe Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene around 11:30 a.m. following calls regarding traffic hazards posed by individuals on the overpass. Police stated that officers requested individuals to clear the roadway. During efforts to disperse the crowd, Carlos Gonzalez, 49, was reportedly asked to step away. The Conroe Police Department alleges that Gonzalez resisted officers and, as they attempted to take him into custody, he kicked an officer in the leg. He was subsequently arrested and charged with felony assault on a public servant.

The Conroe Police Department released body camera footage of the arrest on Tuesday, June 18, stating that the video supports their account of events. “Our officers responded to a situation that was creating a public safety hazard on a major interstate,” said a Conroe PD spokesperson. “When individuals resist lawful commands and resort to violence against officers, arrests become necessary to ensure safety and maintain order.”

However, Gonzalez’s family and supporters vehemently dispute the police’s narrative, claiming Carlos Gonzalez was subjected to excessive force during his arrest. They argue he was attempting to protect his daughter, Melanie, 25, who was scheduled for her deportation hearing that very day. Supporters maintain that the father’s actions were born out of desperation and concern for his daughter amidst the emotional intensity of the protest.

“They threw him to the ground without cause, while he was simply trying to stand by his daughter on the day she faces the possibility of being torn from our family,” said a family representative, who requested anonymity for fear of further repercussions. “The police acted with unnecessary aggression, escalating a peaceful protest.”

Melanie Gonzalez’s deportation hearing, the catalyst for the protest, remains a central point of concern for her family and community. While the specific details of her immigration case have not been publicly disclosed, supporters describe her as a long-time resident of the Conroe area, integrated into the community, and facing immense stress over her uncertain future in the United States.

This is not Carlos Gonzalez’s first encounter with law enforcement this year. He had reportedly been arrested earlier on a misdemeanor charge of evading arrest, a case that was later dismissed. His family points to this previous dismissal as evidence of potential overreach by authorities.

Following his arrest on Friday, Carlos Gonzalez was released from custody on bond for the felony assault charge. He is expected to appear in court at a later date, though specific court dates have not yet been made public. Meanwhile, his family and advocates continue to rally support, calling for justice for Carlos and a halt to Melanie’s deportation proceedings, underscoring the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the region.