In a decisive move to maintain peace and order, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the Texas National Guard to multiple locations across the state. This action comes in anticipation of planned protests throughout Texas this week, particularly in San Antonio. A statement from Abbott's office, obtained by ABC News' affiliate KSAT, confirmed that the Guardsmen are prepared to uphold law and order across Texas.
Governor Abbott emphasized that while peaceful protests are an essential part of American democracy, Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness witnessed in other cities, such as Los Angeles. The statement from his office highlighted that any individuals engaging in acts of violence or property damage will be held accountable under the full extent of the law. "Peaceful protest is legal," Abbott stated on Tuesday, "but harming a person or property is illegal and will lead to arrest."
This deployment of the Texas National Guard is particularly relevant given the escalating protests in Los Angeles, where activists have been voicing their opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. These protests have, at times, turned violent, prompting President Donald Trump to order both the National Guard and the Marines to Southern California in recent days.
In San Antonio, Assistant Chief of the San Antonio Police Department, Jesse Salame, confirmed to KSAT that Guard members have been dispatched to support local law enforcement. Governor Abbott assured citizens that the Texas National Guard would employ every available tool and strategy to assist law enforcement in maintaining order during these protests.
As Texas prepares for the upcoming protests, the deployment of the National Guard underscores the state's commitment to preserving public safety. Governor Abbott's proactive approach aims to balance the right to protest with the need for law and order, ensuring that Texas remains a place where both can coexist without compromising safety.
