Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) announced that he will deploy the Texas National Guard across the state in anticipation of immigration demonstrations.
“Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order,” he wrote on X. Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest.”
Abbott noted that the state’s National Guard will use “every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.”
San Antonio Police Department Assistant Chief Jesse Salame told KSAT that the Texas National Guard has already been deployed to San Antonio.
“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,” said Salame. “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.”
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, in part, that reports of Abbott “deploying the National Guard to our community underscore the need for us to remain peaceful and safe this weekend.”
“Destruction is never appropriate, nor will it be tolerated,” Nirenberg continued. “Exercise your right to free speech, but we urge you to keep it peaceful and lawful.”
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar similarly urged protesters to “please be respectful of the rights and property of others.”
“Organizers and participants should understand that agitators and individuals seeking to create chaos may blend in among peaceful protestors,” Salazar said. “This is unfortunate, as it not only dilutes the intended message but may seem to prove the point of those with opposing views. Even the best of intentions can result in unintended consequences. Please protest responsibly.”
