Governor Greg Abbott deployed Texas National Guard troops to San Antonio in response to planned protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, according to KTSA News.
The deployment comes as the city braces for demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday evening in downtown San Antonio and Saturday at Travis Park, part of a broader wave of nationwide protests against immigration policies.
Context of the Protests
The protests are fueled by recent ICE actions in San Antonio, including the detention of immigrants immediately following their immigration court hearings and the arrest of construction workers on the University of Texas at San Antonio campus.
A Sunday demonstration on June 8 saw hundreds gather outside City Hall to denounce ICE deportations.
Saturday’s “No Kings Day” protest, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., is organized by groups including the 50501 Movement, Bexar County Democratic Party, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Indivisible, and Women’s March, advocating for resistance against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Governor Abbott’s office emphasized that the National Guard is on standby to “uphold law and order” across Texas, citing concerns over potential “lawlessness” seen in recent Los Angeles protests.
Press Secretary Andrew Mahaleris stated, “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 Police Department (SAPD) Assistant Chief Jesse Salame confirmed the deployment, while SAPD Chief William McManus underscored the department’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
“On Sunday, SAPD monitored a peaceful protest at City Hall, and we will continue to do so at future demonstrations to ensure public safety,” McManus said, encouraging organizers to submit applications through the Office of Processions and Public Assemblies for coordinated safety plans.
City officials, including Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City Manager Erik Walsh, and Chief McManus, are set to hold a press conference on Wednesday, June 11, at 9 a.m. to outline the city’s strategy for supporting peaceful demonstrations while maintaining public safety.
Mayor Nirenberg expressed empathy for community concerns, stating, “I empathize with the fear and fatigue this federal administration is causing within the San Antonio community, but we should heed the Chief’s calls to remain peaceful should you choose to demonstrate this weekend.”
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar also voiced support for residents’ rights to free speech and assembly, urging safe and responsible demonstrations.
“The men and women of the BCSO stand ready to support and defend those rights for Bexar County residents,” he posted on social media.
