Texas National Guard troops participate in state operations in March 2024. (Photo provided by Texas Military Department)
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas National Guard to prepare to manage any “lawlessness” that could arise Saturday during protests planned in cities throughout the state.
“Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order,” Abbott said Tuesday evening. “Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest.”
His office declined to confirm how many troops were called up for the weekend or where they will go, but a national movement known as “No Kings” has dozens of cities listed as hosting protests across the state.
“Texas National Guard soldiers are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed,” said Andrew Mahaleris, spokesman for the governor. “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.”
President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 California National Guard troops to L.A. late Saturday against the wishes of state and city officials. Trump then ordered 2,000 more Guard members Monday as well as 700 active-duty Marines.
Those troops are now protecting federal agents as they conduct immigration-related arrests. About 500 of the Guard troops deployed to the L.A. protests have been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations. Others are protecting federal buildings and personnel located near protests.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has said there has been little cooperation between the military troops and the city throughout the situation.
Two Texas cities – Austin and San Antonio – have confirmed troops are expected to be there and described a similar lack of coordination. The San Antonio Police Department said the police chief had to call the Texas National Guard to confirm troops would be there.
“We don’t have additional details about their deployment,” the department said in a statement.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the troops will assist state police, if deemed necessary.
“The City of Austin will continue to protect the right of people to peacefully assemble. We will continue to recognize the humanity and value of our immigrant community,” he said in a statement. “However, destructive actions or efforts to hurt police is wrong. You are damaging your city.”
Austin has already experienced immigration protests this week, where four officers with the local police department were injured – three from being hit with rocks. Eight people were arrested, according to police.
