SOUTH TEXAS — What began as a peaceful protest outside a federal immigration detention center in South Texas escalated sharply on Tuesday after law enforcement officers moved in to disperse demonstrators, triggering a tense confrontation marked by tear gas, arrests, and growing political scrutiny.

The demonstration drew dozens of protesters who had gathered to call attention to the detention of a young child whose case has become a focal point in broader debates over immigration enforcement. Organizers said the march was intended to remain peaceful, with participants holding signs and chanting slogans demanding transparency and humanitarian protections for minors in federal custody.

By early afternoon, however, the situation deteriorated. According to witnesses and video footage circulating online, law enforcement officers advanced toward the crowd after declaring the gathering unlawful. Tear gas was deployed, and several demonstrators were detained as smoke drifted across the area surrounding the facility.

Federal officials said officers acted after some protesters refused orders to disperse and attempted to block access points to the detention center. In a brief statement, authorities described their response as necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of personnel and detainees. Protest organizers disputed that account, insisting that the crowd posed no threat and that the escalation was abrupt and excessive.

Video recorded by journalists and protesters showed officers in riot gear advancing while demonstrators shouted and attempted to retreat. Some footage appeared to show force used during arrests, intensifying public criticism and prompting calls for further review of law enforcement conduct.

The incident quickly drew the attention of state and federal lawmakers. Several members of Congress traveled to the site later in the day, demanding answers from immigration officials and urging restraint. One lawmaker described the scenes as “deeply troubling,” arguing that the federal response risked inflaming an already volatile national conversation.

At the center of the protest was the case of a child whose detention status has not been fully disclosed due to privacy protections. Advocacy groups claim the child has been held for an extended period without adequate legal representation, while federal officials say the case is being handled according to existing procedures. The lack of publicly available details has fueled speculation and anger, particularly among immigrant rights organizations.

The confrontation comes as the Trump administration has expanded immigration enforcement operations across several states, a move supporters say is necessary to restore border control, but critics argue has led to increasingly aggressive tactics. Civil liberties groups warn that enforcement actions near detention facilities have become flashpoints for conflict, especially when children are involved.

By evening, protests had largely dispersed, though tensions remained high. Several arrests were confirmed, though authorities did not immediately release details about charges or injuries. Officials said an internal review of the incident would be conducted.

Reaction spread rapidly beyond Texas as videos of the clash circulated on social media, prompting widespread debate. Supporters of the enforcement actions defended law enforcement, arguing that officers were responding to an unlawful assembly. Critics countered that the images reflected a troubling use of force against civilians exercising their right to protest.

The White House declined to comment directly on the incident, referring questions to the Department of Homeland Security. Advocacy groups said they plan to continue demonstrations and are calling for an independent investigation into both the protest response and the child’s detention.

As the footage continues to spread and political pressure builds, the episode underscores how immigration enforcement remains one of the most emotionally charged and divisive issues in the country — particularly when images of children, protests, and federal authority collide in real time.