Texas Deploys 7,000 National Guard, Troopers Ahead Immigration Protests

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed over 5,000 National Guard troops and more than 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety troopers across the state to support law enforcement ahead of planned protests against President Trump's immigration enforcement policies. This surge aims to prevent the violence and unrest seen recently in Los Angeles, where federal troops were deployed amid protests. Abbott emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to violence and property damage, warning that offenders will be held accountable. The protests are largely organized by groups like No Kings and the 50501 Movement, which view Trump's immigration crackdown as authoritarian overreach and are mobilizing nationwide. While protest organizers affirm their intent for peaceful demonstrations, officials have noted some prior unpermitted protests and arrests. Abbott's deployment has surprised some local officials, such as in San Antonio, where the National Guard was sent without city requests, underlining the state government's proactive stance to ensure security during what is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump's return to office.