In a decisive move, Governor Greg Abbott has called upon the Texas National Guard and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to mobilize in anticipation of upcoming anti-ICE protests. The protests, which are set to sweep across Texas, have spurred preemptive action from the governor, who is determined to maintain order and prevent potential unrest. With a nod to "the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles," Abbott's surge involves thousands of soldiers and troopers across the state, according to a press release on the Office of the Texas Governor official website.
Specifically, there will be a deployment of over 2,000 DPS troopers and upwards of 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers. Governor Abbott was clear in his stance. "Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump's enforcement of immigration law," he stated on the Office of the Texas Governor. This show of force seems to echo a common sentiment among certain constituencies that prefer a hardline stance against what they perceive as rogue civil disobedience.
In his announcement regarding this surge, Governor Abbott underscored the limit of Texas' tolerance. "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. Don't mess with Texas — and don't mess with Texas law enforcement," Abbott warned. This deployment is one of the most significant domestic mobilizations of law enforcement and military personnel to preempt civil protests in recent Texas history.
The charge being led by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department is sizable. More than 2,000 specialized DPS agents, including Texas Rangers, will spearhead the statewide response to any criminal or violent activity that may arise from the protests.
