Emma Ruby
Audio By Carbonatix
Seven thousand law enforcement officers from the Texas National Guard and the state police department have been deployed across the state ahead of protests planned for this weekend, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday morning. This is a steep increase compared to Abbott’s deployment orders in previous years.
Abbott has not stated specifically where those officers are being routed. However, officers were seen Wednesday evening at an anti-ICE protest in San Antonio, and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed to reporters that the capital city has been notified of the presence of officers. The city of Dallas did not respond to the Observer‘s inquiry about whether or not the city has received communications from Abbott, referring us instead to the governor’s office for further details.
“Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest,” Abbott wrote on social media ahead of the deployments.
The 7,000-troop response is a significant increase from past deployments Abbott has ordered.
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Last night, DPS proudly stood alongside our partners @SATXPolice to maintain order and protect state property as demonstrators exercised their First Amendment rights near San Antonio City Hall and the Alamo.
— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) June 12, 2025
DPS continues tracking planned protests across Texas this week, and our… pic.twitter.com/AiCbfWe4EJ
In 2020, 3,000 troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety were deployed across Texas to respond to the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd. Half of that response was focused on Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Abbott confirmed to the media that state leaders had been in touch with officials in each of those cities ahead of the deployments.
Abbott also deployed 1,200 personnel with the Texas National Guard and 2,500 members of the Texas Military Department to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
On Twitter, the Texas Department of Public Safety wrote, “DPS continues tracking planned protests across Texas this week, and our men and women stand ready to enforce the law and assist our law enforcement partners in whatever capacity necessary.”
The deployment was announced after anti-ICE protests occurred in Austin and Dallas Monday evening. A protest is planned for this Saturday in Dallas as part of the national No Kings series of rallies. The demonstration is scheduled from noon until 2:00 p.m. at Dallas City Hall, and organizers have emphasized the desire for a peaceful gathering.
