Texas Governor Abbott Mobilizes 5,000 National Guard Troops to Ensure Safety at Upcoming ‘No Kings’ Protests

Texas Governor Deploys National Guard Amid Protests

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the deployment of over 5,000 National Guard troops and more than 2,000 state police officers. This move aims to assist local law enforcement in handling protests against President Trump and ongoing immigration raids.

Reports indicate that some troops were already present at a protest in San Antonio near the historic Alamo. While the demonstration gathered hundreds, it remained peaceful.

Looking ahead, more protests are set for San Antonio and cities like Houston, Austin, and Dallas as part of the national "No Kings" movement. Earlier protests in Austin and Dallas saw minor clashes with police, who resorted to using non-lethal crowd-control measures.

Abbott emphasized, “Peaceful protests are part of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate lawlessness.” He warned that anyone engaged in violence or vandalism would face legal consequences.

This situation comes at a time when issues surrounding immigration and law enforcement are increasingly contentious. According to a recent Gallup poll, almost 60% of Americans view immigration as a serious problem. Moreover, the deployment of troops reflects a broader trend seen in recent years, where state governments have felt the need to take decisive measures amidst rising tensions.

Historically, Texas has had a contentious relationship with immigration. Governor Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star,” initiated in 2021, allowed the National Guard to actively patrol the border. This operation was designed to deter unlawful crossings and aid in border security.

Opposition to Abbott’s strategies has also arisen. The mayors of San Antonio and Austin have voiced their disapproval, stating they did not request the National Guard’s involvement. This contrasts sharply with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has openly criticized Trump’s decisions regarding military deployments.

The debate surrounding these actions raises questions about public safety, state authority, and the rights of citizens to protest. As tensions escalate, eyes will be on Texas to see how this situation unfolds and what it may signal for future policies.

For more on public safety and immigration policy, visit AP News.

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U.S. National Guard, Greg Abbott, General news, Texas, Donald Trump, San Antonio, Protests and demonstrations, Gavin Newsom, Austin, Dallas, TX State Wire, AP Top News, U.S. news, Immigration, Military and defense