Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas National Guard to deploy across the state in anticipation of planned protests related to federal immigration enforcement actions, including major demonstrations scheduled for San Antonio this week. The move comes as cities nationwide, including Los Angeles, have experienced heightened tensions surrounding immigration operations.
Abbott announced the deployment via social media, stating that the Guard would be positioned “to ensure peace & order.” He emphasized that “Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest,” and asserted that the Texas National Guard would “use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.” Andrew Mahaleris, an Abbott spokesperson, further clarified that soldiers are “on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed,” and reiterated that “Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles.”
This deployment in Texas presents a distinct dynamic compared to the situation in California. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has vocally opposed and sued the Trump administration over its decision to federalize National Guard troops and deploy U.S. Marines to Los Angeles—a move that occurred without state leadership’s consent. In contrast, reports indicate that Texas’s National Guard mobilization, ordered by Governor Abbott, followed requests for assistance from local law enforcement, including San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, and remains under state command.
Protests against immigration enforcement have been ongoing, with a demonstration in downtown San Antonio on Sunday following recent ICE arrests. More widespread demonstrations are expected, including a “No Kings Day” event planned for Saturday in San Antonio and other Texas cities, organized by groups such as the 50501 Movement, the Bexar County Democratic Party, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Indivisible, and Women’s March. These events are described by organizers as signaling opposition to certain federal actions.
Recent protests in Austin on Monday evening saw hundreds of participants, resulting in thirteen arrests and reports of law enforcement using tear gas. Local Texas officials have expressed support for peaceful protest while condemning violence. San Antonio Police Chief Jim McManus stated that the department “remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the constitutional rights of individuals and groups to hold peaceful and lawful demonstrations.” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez noted his county’s “long history of people exercising their right to protest peacefully while respecting opposing viewpoints.” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson affirmed support for peaceful protest but cautioned against “destructive actions or efforts to hurt police.”
The Texas National Guard is the largest of its kind in the U.S., comprising 22,000 soldiers and airmen, with the governor serving as its commander except when federalized by the President.
