City Council Candidate Misael Ramos Was Released From Jail
The District 1 candidate posted $1,000 bail following his arrest on a riot charge Saturday.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Misael Ramos, a candidate running for the District 1 City Council seat, was released from the Travis County Jail after being arrested on a Class B misdemeanor riot charge. The arrest occurred while he was walking his dog, following a protest related to the police shooting of Wilber Garces Perez.
Why it matters
The legal situation involving a candidate in the competitive District 1 race creates significant uncertainty for voters ahead of the upcoming election. Residents are left to consider how these charges might impact his ongoing campaign alongside the broader community unrest surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
Misael Ramos was released on $1,000 bail after his booking at 9:31 a.m. Saturday. The charge requires a minimum of seven people for a riot designation, while three other individuals also faced arrests for rioting and resisting arrest.
The players
Misael Ramos
He is a candidate seeking the District 1 seat on the Austin City Council.
Wilber Garces Perez
His death following a police shooting served as the catalyst for recent city protests.
Texas Department of Public Safety
This state agency led the investigation and arrest of the District 1 council candidate.
The details
Texas Department of Public Safety officers and Texas Rangers arrested Ramos near Stafford Street and Manor Road, identifying him through cell phone video, social media posts, and government records. The riot charge stems from allegations that he used construction sandbags and barricades to block traffic during a protest. Ramos is one of six candidates currently running for the District 1 seat.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Misael Ramos attended a protest against a police shooting.
September 26, 2026: Authorities arrested Ramos at 8:50 a.m. and booked him at 9:31 a.m.
September 26, 2026: Ramos was released from the Travis County Jail at 5 p.m.
September 27, 2026: Additional community protests were planned across Austin.
The Texas Context
The arrest follows the state's established legal framework for public order, which relies on the Texas riot statute to address the obstruction of public infrastructure. This action marks a clear enforcement point in the ongoing protests that have emerged across the city following the shooting.
Voters in District 1 should monitor the candidate's campaign filings and official statements for any updates on his ongoing eligibility and future campaign events. Residents traveling near recent protest sites should remain aware that additional demonstrations may impact local traffic flow.
The takeaway
Voters should keep a close watch on official filings to see if the legal proceedings affect the candidate's presence on the ballot. Monitor the status of District 1 campaign announcements for any upcoming changes to scheduled candidate appearances.
Further reading
For more on the current race for the District 1 seat, visit our Austin Elections coverage.
Live Poll
In your community, do you trust that police actions during protests are fair and necessary?
