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As immigration protests continue across the United States, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of the Texas National Guard to areas across the state.

Abbott said the move is intended “to ensure peace & order” in response to planned demonstrations related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, particularly in cities such as San Antonio.

Read more from CBS News

Greg Abbott Statement on Deployment

In a message posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night, Abbott wrote:

“Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order. 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.”

While his press secretary did not confirm specific cities receiving troops, she emphasized that the Guard would remain on standby in regions where mass demonstrations are expected.

San Antonio Officials Respond

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San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Police Chief William McManus both stressed the city’s commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest while maintaining public safety. Demonstrations are expected Wednesday night at the Alamo and again on Saturday.

“The San Antonio Police Department fully supports the right to peacefully demonstrate,” McManus said. He also confirmed that there has been no direct contact with the Texas National Guard, though his department is preparing for “the worst and hoping for the best.”

Escalating Protests and Nationwide Response

Protests in Austin and Dallas have already resulted in injuries and arrests. On Monday, hundreds rallied in Austin, leaving four police officers injured and leading to 12 arrests. In Dallas, a bridge protest was declared an “unlawful assembly” by police after several hours of demonstrations.

In California, tensions have escalated further, prompting President Donald Trump to order approximately 700 active-duty Marines to assist California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, Paramount, and Compton.

The total number of Guard troops now deployed in the area exceeds 2,800, with a projected cost of $134 million, according to Defense Department Comptroller Bryn MacDonnell.

Abbott Warns Against Violence

Abbott’s office reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for violence or property damage, saying:

“Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law.”