Texas National Guard on standby for 'Day of Defiance' protests in Austin, San Antonio

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Following heated protests against immigration enforcement actions in Austin and Dallas, and with more protests planned this weekend, Gov. Abbott is calling on the Texas Army National Guard "to help law enforcement maintain order" and "ensure peace."

"We want to make sure that what has happened in California does not happen in Texas," Abbott said Wednesday. "Texas is a law and order state and we will use every tool that we can to ensure order."

The Texas Army National Guard will be used in Austin and San Antonio, at least, both cities confirmed. This comes as hundreds of protests -- dubbed the "No Kings" Nationwide Day of Defiance by Indivisible, a progressive activist organization -- are expected to take place across the country on Saturday.

KXAN found at least 63 Texas locations listed online where anti-Trump demonstrations are advertised to take place this weekend, fueled by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants. In central Texas, that includes Austin, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Lockhart, Pflugerville and Taylor.

Austin's protest is listed as taking place on the Capitol grounds. KXAN confirmed the organizers of the "No Kings" event obtained proper authorization to do so by the Texas State Preservation Board.

"A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action," according to the organization's website. "We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events."

KXAN called at least 15 Texas cities from the group's online list. At least eight -- Arlington, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fredericksburg, Houston, Pflugerville and Seguin -- said they were aware of and prepared for protests. None that responded knew if the Guard would be used.

• "For safety and tactical purposes, we're not going to get into specifics about any security plans," said Tim Ciesco with the Arlington Police Department. "But we are aware of the demonstration that is planned for Saturday and we will be monitoring."
• A spokesperson for the city of Dallas, which experienced tense protests on Monday, said it is "aware a group is planning a protest."
• El Paso said it has not requested the Texas Army National Guard but is "monitoring planned local demonstrations in coordination with local law enforcement and other public safety partners to support peaceful expression and maintain public order," according to a spokesperson.

At a news conference Wednesday, officials from San Antonio said the governor's announcement caught them by surprise, saying Alamo City didn't "get any advance warning."

"Do I wish they would? Sure," said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, who added his city will "plan for the worst and we hope, of course, for the best."

"Exercise your right to free speech but I urge you to keep it lawful and peaceful," said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "Disruption, destruction, is never appropriate, nor will it be tolerated."

Similarly, Austin City Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed the city was told the Texas National Guard will be "prepared to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety on Saturday, if deemed necessary."

KXAN asked the governor's office about that but didn't get an answer as of this report. Abbott's announcement comes a day after he sent a warning on social media to protesters who "cross the line" writing "FAFO" -- an acronym for "f--- around and find out."

The governor repeated that on Wednesday at a bill signing when asked what he meant by protesters who "cross the line."

"That leads to F-A-F-O?," he said laughing. "Violating the law. You break the law, you've crossed the line, you will be arrested."

"We want to make sure that what has happened in California, does not happen in Texas," he added. "Texas is a law and order state and we will use every tool that we can to ensure order."

The governor would only say the Texas National Guard is ready in "strategic locations" but would not say how many or where.

"The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary personnel and resources to uphold law and order across our state," said the governor's press secretary Andrew Mahaleris. "Texas National Guard soldiers are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed."

"Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles," Mahaleris added. "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extend of the law."