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Key Points

Texas is preparing for potential protests against federal immigration raids with National Guard troops on standby. Governor Greg Abbott's office has warned that any violence or property damage will be met with legal consequences. Local leaders like Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez are emphasizing the importance of peaceful demonstrations. The protests, which began in Los Angeles, have now spread to multiple Texas cities including Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Key Points: Texas Guard Standby as Abbott Warns Against Immigration Raid Protests

  • Texas National Guard positioned to maintain order during immigration raid protests
  • Multiple cities plan demonstrations against federal immigration actions
  • Local leaders call for peaceful protests and respect for First Amendment rights
3 min read

US: Texas National Guard 'on standby' ahead of immigration raid protests

Texas prepares for potential protests against immigration raids, with National Guard on alert and state leaders emphasizing peaceful demonstrations

"Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles - Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott's Spokesperson"

Houston, June 12

Texas National Guard troops are "on standby" in areas across the state where protests are expected against the Trump administration's ongoing immigration raids, a spokesperson for Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has said.

"Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles," Abbott's spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, said in a statement on Wednesday (local time). "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law."

The advocacy group Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight, known as FIEL, is organising a "Chant Down the Walls" protest in Houston on Friday. Additionally, "No Kings" protests are scheduled for Saturday in more than two dozen Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, Lubbock, and Longview, according to a report by the Texas Tribune.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson voiced his support for peaceful demonstrations but warned against violence, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I am supportive of people exercising their right to engage in peaceful protest against politics and policies that they disagree with. However, destructive actions or efforts to hurt police is wrong," Watson said in a statement.

"Much of what we see out of Washington is to create fear and chaos -- we should not play into these politics of fear," he added. "Adding to the chaos -- through destruction of property, hurting other people, including police officers, or otherwise -- adds to the problems for those people being targeted while empowering those in Washington who want more pain and chaos."

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also emphasised the importance of peaceful demonstrations. "Harris County has a long history of people exercising their right to protest peacefully while respecting opposing viewpoints, and I fully expect Saturday's demonstrations to continue that legacy," Gonzalez said. Much of Houston falls within Harris County.

In San Antonio, Police Chief William McManus confirmed that National Guard personnel have been sent to the city. However, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, a Democrat, said he had not been consulted about the deployment.

"But I have full faith and confidence in our community to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully," Nirenberg said.

Protests against the immigration raids began last week in Los Angeles and have since spread nationwide.

On Monday, California sued the Trump administration after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles -- without the state's permission -- in response to the protests.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on this US immigration raid protest situation:
R
Rahul K.
This reminds me of our own CAA protests last year. While maintaining law and order is important, sending armed troops against peaceful protestors creates unnecessary tension. Hope Texans handle this better than what we saw in Delhi. 🤞
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see US states resisting federal orders - California suing Trump is like when our states oppose Centre's decisions. But immigration is a complex issue. America built by immigrants now turning against them? Irony is strong here.
A
Arjun S.
As someone who faced visa issues to visit US, I understand both sides. But sending National Guard seems extreme. In India, we use paramilitary forces only for serious riots, not protests. America's democracy looking fragile these days.
S
Sunita P.
Texas Governor's statement sounds like what our leaders say during protests. But comparing Los Angeles to Texas is wrong - every situation is different. Hope protestors remain peaceful. Violence only gives excuse for more crackdowns.
V
Vikram J.
Trump deploying troops without state permission shows federal overreach. Reminds me of Article 370 situation. But at least our states don't have their own military like US National Guard. Interesting federal-state dynamics at play here.
N
Neha R.
While we have our own border issues with neighbors, America's immigration crisis is on another level. But using military against civilians? Not good optics. Hope they find a balanced solution that respects human rights while maintaining order.

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