Abbott deploys National Guard to San Antonio ahead of anti-immigration enforcement protests

Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday deployed the state National Guard to San Antonio ahead of anti-immigration enforcement protests scheduled this week.

"Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order," Abbott posted on X, sharing an article by the San Antonio Express-News on his deployment of troops to the outlet's city. "Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest. @TexasGuard will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order."

The protests are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday.

San Antonio Police Department Assistant Chief Jesse Salame told the  newspaper that Chief William McManus "was able to confirm that Gov. Greg Abbott deployed National Guard troops to San Antonio" on Monday night.

Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, told the news outlet that National Guard soldiers "are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed.

"Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles," Mahaleris said Tuesday. "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law."

Protests occurred outside City Hall and federal immigration court in San Antonio last week, as federal agents have arrested immigrants when they arrive for scheduled court appearances.

Texas Department of Public Safety officers on Monday arrested six men in Austin during a "planned and well-publicized protest" near the State Capitol. Those arrested were charged with felony criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and other offenses.