Texas Guard Deployed Amid Immigration Protest Tensions

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed the Texas National Guard to cities including Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas ahead of planned protests related to immigration and in solidarity with demonstrations against a military parade in Washington, D.C. The deployment has faced criticism from local Democratic mayors, who argue it is unnecessary, politically motivated, and lacks coordination with local authorities. Advocacy groups such as LULAC and UnidosUS have organized counterprotests, denouncing the moves as intimidation tactics intended to suppress dissent. Abbott's office maintains that the National Guard is on standby to ensure law and order, citing recent unrest in Los Angeles as justification. Local leaders emphasize their readiness for peaceful protests and warn against actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions. The event underscores deepening tensions between state and local officials over responses to civil protests.