At least 5,000 National Guard members and 2,000 troopers are fanning out statewide to bolster local police in advance of June 14 protests over federal policies.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has “surged” thousands of National Guard soldiers and state troopers to keep the peace prior to planned demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a news release said.
Statewide, Abbott deployed 5,000 National Guard members and more than 2,000 Department of Public Safety troopers to help local police maintain law and order, his office said, as organizers of the No Kings Day of Defiance were planning up to 1,800 protests nationwide to oppose ICE operations and the Trump administration.
“Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump’s enforcement of immigration law,” the governor said.
Abbott’s action contrasts with that of California Gov. Newsom, who filed a lawsuit against Trump after the president sent the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to quell unrest. Violent protests began in Los Angeles on June 6 after ICE worked with other federal agencies on an investigation that led to 44 arrests of illegal immigrants, many with prior criminal records.
Organizers of the No Kings protests—a coalition of various groups—say they are committed to nonviolence. Their website says, “On June 14, we rise up.” Those protests were planned prior to the Los Angeles riots; the goal was to oppose Trump’s large Washington celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary and Flag Day, which also is his 79th birthday.
The governor warned that anyone behaving violently or vandalizing property will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “Don’t mess with Texas—and don’t mess with Texas law enforcement,” Abbott said.
The contingent of troopers will include special agents and Texas Rangers, the governor’s office said, adding that National Guard soldiers are being “strategically positioned to bolster state and local law enforcement response to any criminal activity.”
By Janice Hisle
