With protests planned around the state, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has disclosed the number of troops he intends to deploy as security prepares for this weekend’s rallies.
In a statement, Abbott revealed that he had deployed 2,000 Texas DPS troopers and more than 5,000 National Guard soldiers across the state to help law enforcement personnel reacting to protests this weekend.
It’s unknown how many troops will be deployed in Houston for the “No Kings” march on Saturday.
“Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump’s enforcement of immigration law,” said Governor Abbott. “Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. Don’t mess with Texas — and don’t mess with Texas law enforcement.”
This update comes only days after the governor posted a video on social media, seconds before signing legislation to safeguard law enforcement officers during the protests.
“Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines to KEEP Texas a law and order state,“ Abbott said in the post. ”To have their back, I am signing a law to ensure they can use every tool available to combat criminals without being targeted by rogue prosecutors.”
Sunday’s march in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood was calm, but with footage spreading of heated protests in Los Angeles, leaders should assess how they are preparing.
This follows a back-and-forth between President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom about deploying National Guard troops and other military officials to quell protests.
