Texas, California Boost Security Amid Immigration Protests

Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the Texas National Guard statewide ahead of protests against federal immigration enforcement and deportation raids, sometimes without notifying local officials and raising coordination concerns. Abbott emphasized protecting peaceful protest but warned that violence or property damage would result in arrests. Troops are stationed in cities like San Antonio and Austin. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson supported peaceful assembly while condemning violence and criticizing divisive politics from Washington. In Los Angeles, escalating protests after ICE raids led to curfews, hundreds of arrests, and legal disputes between state and federal authorities. The Pentagon stated that National Guard deployments may expand to additional states if unrest increases.