As Anti-ICE Protests Start in Texas Cities, Governor Abbott Deploys the National Guard

Peaceful protests are protected, but when chaos erupts, leaders must decide whether to act or step aside. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott isn’t hesitating.

Key Facts:

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott deployed the National Guard statewide on Tuesday amid anti-ICE protests in major cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Protesters vandalized federal buildings and clashed with police; more than a dozen arrests were made in Austin alone.
Abbott warned that while peaceful protest is legal, any destruction or harm would be met with arrest, citing, “FAFO.”
National Guard troops will remain on standby for mass protests planned nationwide this Saturday, organized by the group “No Kings.”
President Trump also sent National Guard troops and Marines into Los Angeles after anti-ICE riots turned violent, prompting a lawsuit from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The Rest of The Story:

Gov. Greg Abbott’s response to a wave of anti-ICE protests was swift and direct.

As demonstrations turned violent in Austin and Dallas, he activated the Texas National Guard to help local law enforcement maintain order.

“Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest,” he posted on X.

In Austin, protesters ignored police orders and vandalized a federal building that houses ICE detainees.

Police responded with tear gas and made several arrests.

Six men face felony charges.

In Dallas, protests escalated after dark, forcing police to use pepper spray.

Abbott emphasized that troops will remain on standby in cities like San Antonio where more protests are expected.

Nationwide demonstrations are also planned to coincide with the president’s birthday celebration and military parade in D.C.

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. https://t.co/rS8b5zgE3T

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 11, 2025

Commentary:

This is a clear example of how leadership matters.

In Texas, Gov. Abbott isn’t waiting around for violence to escalate.

He’s taking action before cities start burning.

Texans know their governor won’t let lawlessness gain a foothold.

Compare that to California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom is more concerned with suing the federal government than stopping rioters.

Los Angeles saw real destruction last weekend—businesses smashed, law enforcement attacked—and Newsom’s priority was legal maneuvering, not public safety.

While President Trump had to step in to restore order in L.A., Abbott is making sure Texas never gets to that point.

His message is clear: protest all you want, but break the law and you’ll be arrested—no apologies, no excuses.

Abbott’s use of the phrase “FAFO” may ruffle some feathers, but it’s undeniably effective.

Texans want clarity, not word games.

And when chaos looms, firm leadership beats legal bickering every time.

California’s approach—resisting federal help and defending sanctuary policies—is part of a broader trend where liberal states refuse to enforce the law.

Meanwhile, Texas is reminding the nation what it looks like when a state defends law, order, and basic common sense.

The difference between Abbott and Newsom couldn’t be more clear.

One is preparing his state; the other is playing politics.

That’s why people and businesses are moving to Texas, not California.

The Bottom Line:

Gov. Abbott is taking decisive action to prevent violence in Texas by deploying the National Guard and warning that criminal behavior will not be tolerated.

His no-nonsense approach contrasts sharply with California’s legal pushback and permissive stance.

As protests heat up across the country, the divide in how states respond is growing more obvious—and more consequential.