ISTANBUL

Several protesters were detained and others were exposed to tear gas Wednesday during a demonstration at a family immigration detention facility in the US state of Texas.

The protest took place outside the center in the town of Dilley, where a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father are being held by US authorities, according to the KSAT news station.

Demonstrators gathered near the facility chanting slogans including “Free the children” and “Bring them home” while facing officers from US Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Additional DPS troopers arrived at the scene shortly before 2.30 pm local time (2030GMT), some wearing riot gear, including helmets, and carrying shields and batons.

At least two protesters were detained by law enforcement officers during the confrontation. Several others were sprayed with tear gas and received medical treatment at the scene.

Earlier in the day, Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro met with the child, identified as Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos.

They were detained last week in Minnesota, in a case that has drawn renewed attention to immigration enforcement policies under the administration of President Donald Trump.