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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas National Guard will be deployed across the state to enforce "peace and order" ahead of expected protests, with a San Antonio police spokesperson telling Newsweek that troops have been sent to the city.
"Peaceful protest is legal," Abbott wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Harming a person or property is illegal and will lead to arrest."
Newsweek has contacted Governor Abbott's office for comment.
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Why It Matters
Mass protests are erupting across the United States in response to how President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration is being enforced. The White House has said anyone living in the country illegally is a "criminal." The administration is facing increasing resistance over its mass deportation policy.
What To Know
Protests broke out on Friday in reaction to numerous ICE raids throughout Los Angeles. Amid the ongoing tumult, city officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, implemented a curfew for portions of downtown, from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, and it could continue throughout the coming days if warranted.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Trump remain embroiled in a bitter war of words over the administration's response to the protests. The president deployed the National Guard to quell what he called a "rebellion."
Abbott has said state officials will "use every tool and strategy" to help law enforcement keep the peace.
"The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary personnel and resources to uphold law and order across our state. Texas National Guard soldiers are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed," Abbott's press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told Newsweek.
"Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles.
"Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law."
"Chief [William] McManus was able to confirm that the governor sent members of the National Guard to San Antonio," a spokesperson for the San Antonio Police Department told Newsweek.
A protest is scheduled to take place on Saturday in downtown San Antonio. The action is being organized by the 50501 Movement in collaboration with the Bexar County Democratic Party, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Indivisible, and Women's March.
The demonstration will begin at Travis Park and is expected to "culminate in an act of peaceful resistance," the release stated.
City officials have scheduled a news conference for Wednesday morning to address preparations for protests planned in downtown San Antonio on Wednesday and Saturday evening.
The Texas National Guard is the largest organization of its kind in the United States, comprising 22,000 soldiers and airmen.
More than a dozen protesters were arrested during demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Austin, Abbott said Tuesday.
On Monday, officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested six men in Austin during what the department described as a "planned and well-publicized protest" near the State Capitol. The individuals face charges including felony criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and additional offenses.
"Texas is a law-and-order state, and the department has zero tolerance for individuals disrupting public order or endangering law enforcement officers," DPS said in a press release.
On Monday night, DPS troopers deployed tear gas to disperse protesters outside the J.J. Pickle Federal Building, which is currently being used as an ICE processing facility.
Some activists appeared to throw paint at the building and vandalized doors and windows, according to CBS Austin.
What People Are Saying
Action movement 50501 said in a statement: "50501 stands in opposition to billionaire influence in government and advocates for the rights and empowerment of the working class."
The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement: "Make no mistake: Texas is a law-and-order state."
What Happens Next
Further protests are expected to take place in Texas, California and other states across the country.
Update 6/11/2025 10:27 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from the office of Texas Governor Gregg Abbot and the San Antonio Police Department.
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