Initial demonstrations, sparked by opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, have now spread to cities nationwide.
In response to protests within Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of the National Guard to maintain order amidst planned demonstrations against the Trump Administration’s immigration policies.
Troops are prepared in San Antonio, where demonstrations supporting Los Angeles are anticipated on Wednesday and Saturday.
Abbott tweeted around 11:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, stating that while peaceful protest is legal, violence against persons or property is not, and will result in arrest. He added that the Texas Guard would use all available resources to assist law enforcement in maintaining order.
While initial protests were reportedly peaceful, downtown Los Angeles implemented a curfew on Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. due to vandalism and looting. The curfew applied to everyone except emergency personnel, residents, workers, and credentialed media.
In addition to the 2,000 National Guard troops deployed over the weekend without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, President Trump sent approximately 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles on Tuesday to control the demonstrations.
Governor Newsom criticized the Trump Administration for what he termed a “gross overstep of authority.” An emergency motion for a temporary restraining order filed by Newsom was denied. A federal judge is scheduled to hold a hearing on Thursday regarding California’s request to prevent the Trump Administration from deploying troops in Los Angeles.
Numerous other protests are being held across the country in response to Trump’s immigration policies.
San Antonio held a peaceful protest on Sunday following the arrest of individuals at the city’s immigration court by federal immigration officers.
Hundreds of demonstrators also gathered in Austin on Monday, and at least six men were arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety, .
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