Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has ordered the deployment of the state’s National Guard to San Antonio in anticipation of immigration-related protests scheduled for this week. He announced via social media on Wednesday that the soldiers would be “on standby” to help maintain order and ensure public safety.
Abbott emphasized that while peaceful protests are lawful, any acts that harm individuals or property will not be tolerated and could result in arrest. He stated that the National Guard “will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order” and will utilize all available tools and strategies to support law enforcement in maintaining peace.
This decision follows former President Donald Trump’s recent action to send the California National Guard to Los Angeles amid limited but predominantly peaceful immigration protests. California officials condemned this military deployment as a calculated provocation.
Local media predicts a series of demonstrations against the Trump administration’s deportation policies on Wednesday, with further nationwide protests planned for Saturday as part of the “No Kings” event, organized by various groups. Coincidentally, Trump has arranged a military parade in Washington for the same day and has threatened to respond harshly to any demonstrations, despite the constitutional right to protest.
In Texas, the mobilization comes at the request of local law enforcement, in contrast to the situation in California, where state officials sought the removal of military personnel. According to the San Antonio Express News, Police Chief William McManus reached out to state officials late Monday to request National Guard presence in the city.
Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s press secretary, later confirmed that the National Guard troops are positioned in areas expecting mass demonstrations, ready for deployment if needed. He reiterated that while “peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation,” Texas will not endure the same level of lawlessness displayed in Los Angeles. Mahaleris stated, “Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday to outline the city’s preparations for the upcoming protests. This past Sunday, around 300 demonstrators gathered in downtown San Antonio, showcasing signs that read: “Abolish ICE,” “Power to the People,” and “Mexicans Ain’t Going Anywhere.”
On Monday, in Austin, six demonstrators were arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety during a planned protest near the state capitol. They face charges including felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest. The department reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order, emphasizing that “Texas is a law-and-order state.”
The “No Kings” protest on Saturday is being coordinated by the 50501 Movement, in collaboration with the Bexar County Democratic Party, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Indivisible, and Women’s March. Organizers describe the demonstration as culminating in an act of peaceful resistance, stating their opposition to the influence of billionaires in government while advocating for the rights of the working class.
With 22,000 soldiers and airmen, the Texas National Guard is the largest in the U.S. The Governor serves as its commander, except when the President mobilizes the troops for federal duty.