The Texas National Guard has been placed on standby across the state as protests against immigration raids intensify.
A spokesperson for Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the move on Wednesday, citing concerns over potential unrest similar to incidents in Los Angeles.
“Texas will not tolerate lawlessness,” said Andrew Mahaleris, Governor Abbott’s spokesperson. “Anyone engaging in violence or property damage will face swift legal consequences.”
Protests are being organized by advocacy groups, including FIEL (Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight), which plans a “Chant Down the Walls” demonstration in Houston on Friday. Additional “No Kings” protests are scheduled in over 20 cities across Texas, including Austin, Lubbock, and Longview, as reported by the Texas Tribune.
Local officials have emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed support for lawful protests while cautioning against violence. “Peaceful dissent is vital, but actions that harm others or destroy property only exacerbate the challenges,” Watson stated.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez echoed this sentiment, urging respect for differing viewpoints. “Harris County has a proud history of peaceful protests, and I trust this legacy will continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Guard personnel have been deployed to San Antonio, confirmed Police Chief William McManus. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, however, expressed concern over not being consulted about the deployment.
“I trust our community to exercise their First Amendment rights responsibly,” Nirenberg remarked.
The protests follow a surge of nationwide demonstrations against immigration raids, which began last week in Los Angeles. California has since filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s decision to deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles without state approval.
The growing movement highlights escalating tensions between local governments, advocacy groups, and federal authorities over immigration policies and enforcement.
