Governor Abbott Deploys Troops Ahead of Texas Protests
As Texas braces for widespread protests this Saturday, Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized over 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and more than 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers. This decision mirrors Abbott’s past actions following the death of George Floyd. The protests, dubbed "No Kings," are scheduled in cities including Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth, among others.
The demonstrations come on the heels of protests in Los Angeles against immigration enforcement policies, with similar events igniting across the nation this week. Earlier this week in Dallas, a man was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer during a related protest, raising concerns about safety.
While Abbott has historically deployed troops during civil unrest and for border security, the scale of this latest mobilization has caught some local officials off guard. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg stated he was unaware of troop numbers allocated to his city and had not requested their presence.
The Texas National Guard, comprising over 100,000 members, can respond to both domestic and international situations. Governor Abbott has constitutional authority to deploy these troops for state missions, authorizing them to assist local law enforcement at protests. Unlike federal deployments, this state-controlled usage allows the Guard to act in a law enforcement capacity.
Abbott emphasized that while Texans have the right to peaceful protest, any acts of violence or looting will not be tolerated. Historically, the National Guard has been involved in various domestic crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic response. This deployment reflects ongoing tensions around civil rights and public safety in Texas, as communities prepare for protests that aim to voice their concerns.
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