AUSTIN, Texas (KFOX14) —
The last day of the legislative session was anything but a typical last day. Protesters filled the halls of the Texas State Capitol building. But their presence was only the center of attention for a brief moment.
"Hispanic members, including myself, were on the House floor admiring the protesters and supporting them when state Rep. Matt Rinaldi, a Republican from North Texas, came up to us and said he was so happy because he just called ICE to come and have all of those people in the gallery deported," state Rep. Cesar Blanco, of El Paso, said.
Blanco said the threat of calling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents was laced with anger.
"Actually, he said 'F--- them' after that discussion,” Blanco said. “So it demonstrates his hatred toward immigrants and Hispanics in this community."
Rinaldi issued a statement on his Facebook page.
Rinaldi said in part, "When I told the Democrats I called ICE, Rep. Ramon Romero physically assaulted me, and other Democrats were held back by colleagues."
"Members were pulled apart by other members. But there was no physical altercation from Rinaldi to me or me to Rinaldi,” Blanco said. “I was trying to pull people apart to make sure there was no violence on the House floor. I patted Rinaldi on the shoulder and just said, 'Walk away.'"
KFOX14 showed the video of the representatives coming close to blows on the House floor. Some didn’t want to comment. Other said it was disappointing to see elected officials behave this way.
"(I'm) embarrassed. It's like we don't have control of anything. It's just unacceptable,” Brenda Estrada said.
"They should be the example for everybody when they are argue and they discuss these issues,” Alex Nunez said.
Rinaldi said in his statement on Facebook that Rep. Poncho Nevarez threatened his life on the Housefloor.
He also claims Nevarez said he would get him on the way to his car.
Rinaldi said, "I made it clear that if he attempted to, in his words, 'get me,' I would shoot him in self-defense."
Blanco said he didn't hear that exchange. He said the ruckus is not a reflection of the entire House.
"I'm thankful to the many Republicans that have come up to us since Rinaldi's remarks to apologize for Rinaldi's behavior,” Blanco said. “Unfortunately, it's Rinaldi who has to apologize to the body."
Rinaldi also said in his statement that he is under Department of Public Service protection. He stated several other colleagues heard the threats made and witnessed Romero assaulting him.