Around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, protestors gathered outside the facility were demonstrating against increased immigration enforcement activity, and campaigning for the release of a five-year-old boy and his father.

The confrontation between protestors and DPS Troopers, which was captured on camera, saw law enforcement and protesters face off before shoving ensued, leading to chaos. Tear gas was deployed by law enforcement, causing both protesters and media personnel to scatter.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with demonstrators coughing and clutching their eyes and throats. "It was not tear gas, it was something very much stronger," one protester said. "It required something very strong for the medics to put in their eyes." Another protester added, "It made me cough and my nose and everything burning."

The protest began with a vigil and march to the South Texas Family Residential Center, following a visit by more than ten congressional leaders and local officials who inspected the facility.

The focus of the protest was on the detention of children and families, including five-year-old Liam Ramos, whose case has drawn national attention. Liam and his father were taken into federal custody in Minnesota and transferred to the Dilley facility.

The scene was cleared by 4 p.m., with both protesters and law enforcement leaving the area.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) released a statement on the protest, clarifying that they have a duty to protect people and property within the state, and that they work with federal, state, and local law enforcement to protect both property, as well as protestors.

During today’s response, after dispersal orders were given, approximately 150 demonstrators refused to leave and began to breach the established protest barrier and spit on officers," said DPT Press Secretary Sheridan Nolen. "Despite continued orders to disperse, the group remained and DPS took less-lethal action, deploying pepper ball grenades and pepper ball projectiles to ensure officer safety and maintain order. DPS personnel arrested two individuals on various charges, including resisting arrest and interfering with public duties.

Texas is a law-and-order state, and the department has zero tolerance for individuals who disrupt public order or endanger law enforcement officers. Our men and women stand ready to enforce the law and assist our law enforcement partners in whatever capacity necessary.

RELATED | Castro, Democrats visit Dilley Detention Center to meet detained 5-year-old, father

The detention of 5-year-old Liam Ramos has revived international attention, with many immigrant advocates criticizing the detention as inhumane.

Many state leaders and government officials have defended the arrest, with Congressman Tony Gonzales highlighting the importance of securing the border, encouraging legal immigration, and addressing the millions already in the country who have broken the law.

We're working to determine the types of chemical irritants deployed by agents, as well as if the agent who deployed the irritants was serving under Texas Department of Public Safety, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX), multiple children, including Liam, ranging from two months to 17-years-old, are currently being held in the Dilley Detention Facility.

Castro clarified that none of the detainees being held in custody in the Dilley facility have been convicted of any criminal offenses.

RELATED | Congressman defends detention center where 5-year-old Liam Ramos is being held

Protests against ICE have been ongoing as activity, including arrests, have been increasing amid a major hiring push, and a major increase in funding under the Trump administration.

Federal officials, advocates, and lawmakers are offering sharply different accounts of conditions inside the Dilley detention center in South Texas as questions grow about the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos.

Attorneys say Liam and his father were transferred to a detention center in Dilley, Texas, located about 85 miles southwest of San Antonio.

Rep. Joaquin Castro visited the detention center on Wednesday, with the intent of meeting with Liam and his father and to assess conditions inside the facility.

Advocacy groups also mobilized outside the facility in a mostly-peaceful demonstration.

RELATED | Castro, Democrats visit Dilley Detention Center to meet detained 5-year-old, father

Tensions have escalated in recent days, with protests reported both inside and outside the center. Over the weekend, detainees demonstrated within the facility’s fences, holding signs reading “Libertad para los niños,” or “Freedom for the children.”

Advocates, including leaders with the League of United Latin American Citizens and Mi Familia Vota, allege unsanitary conditions, inadequate medical care and insufficient food for detainees, claims echoed in court filings.

The Department of Homeland Security has disputed those allegations, saying inspections show detainees receive meals, clean water, medical care and basic necessities.

Castro has said the visit is about accountability and transparency, and that his office is working to ensure the child’s safety and push for his release.

He plans to return to San Antonio on Wednesday to brief the public on what he observed and to hold a rally.