Texas National Guard Deployment Ahead of Protests
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed National Guard troops across the state in anticipation of further protests against ICE. The announcement came via a post on X early Wednesday as demonstrations spread throughout Texas and other parts of the United States.
In his post, Abbott emphasized, “The Texas State Guard will be deployed in locations throughout the state to ensure peace and order.” He acknowledged the legality of peaceful protests while clarifying that violence against people or property would lead to arrests. The governor added that the Texas Guard will assist law enforcement in maintaining order with all available resources.
Specific locations of the National Guard’s deployment remain unclear, as inquiries directed to the governor’s office did not receive an immediate response.
This week has seen a rise in protests, particularly in Texas, echoing the recent violent riots in Los Angeles that targeted federal immigration policies. In Austin, tensions escalated on Monday night when police attempted to disperse a crowd of demonstrators moving between the Capitol and the federal building housing the ICE office. Authorities reported injuries to four officers amid clashes where pepper spray balls and tear gas were deployed after protesters tried to vandalize federal property.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis noted that three officers were hurt when large rocks were thrown at them, while another suffered an injury during an arrest. “We support peaceful protests,” she said, but underscored that violent actions such as throwing rocks are unacceptable and will lead to arrests.
Eight arrests were made by Austin police, with five more by state authorities. In Dallas, hundreds protested near Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, where some incidents turned tense, leading to police being targeted with thrown objects. One protester, identified as 27-year-old Geraldo Velazquez Jr., was arrested for assaulting an officer and attempting to take a weapon from him.
Future demonstrations are planned in both Dallas and Austin this Saturday, along with another in San Antonio on Wednesday evening.
