Fact Check: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Deployed the State’s National Guard Ahead of Planned Protests
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of over 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers and more than 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers across the state. This action was taken in anticipation of planned anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests, particularly in San Antonio, Texas. Abbott stated that the deployment aimed to maintain law and order and to assist local law enforcement in managing potential unrest during these protests (Governor Abbott Surges Texas National Guard, DPS Ahead Of ...).
The governor emphasized that while peaceful protests are a constitutional right, any acts of violence or property damage would not be tolerated and would lead to arrests (Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy National Guard across ...). The context for this deployment includes ongoing protests in Los Angeles, which had escalated following ICE raids, prompting a broader national response (Anti-ICE protests enter 7th day in L.A., Texas governor ...).
Analysis
The claim that Governor Abbott deployed the National Guard ahead of planned protests is supported by multiple credible sources. The official press release from the governor's office confirms the deployment details, including the number of personnel and the rationale behind the decision (Governor Abbott Surges Texas National Guard, DPS Ahead Of ...). Additionally, news reports from reputable outlets such as NBC News and CBS News corroborate this information, detailing the governor's statements and the context of the protests (Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy National Guard across ..., Controversy over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to deploy ...).
The sources used in this fact-check are reliable and provide a consistent narrative regarding the deployment. The press release is an official document, while the news reports come from established media organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that the framing of the deployment may vary between sources, with some emphasizing the potential for violence and others focusing on the right to protest. This variation reflects the broader political and social tensions surrounding immigration policies and law enforcement responses.
Conclusion
The claim that Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the state’s National Guard ahead of planned protests is True. The evidence from official statements and reputable news sources clearly supports this assertion, indicating a proactive measure by the governor to ensure public safety during anticipated protests related to immigration enforcement.
Sources
- Governor Abbott Surges Texas National Guard, DPS Ahead Of ...
- Anti-ICE protests enter 7th day in L.A., Texas governor ...
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy National Guard across ...
- Controversy over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to deploy ...
- Gov. Abbott deploys over 5000 Texas National Guard ...
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott deploying National Guard, State ...
- Gov. Abbott mobilizes Texas National Guard ahead of ...
- Texas governor orders national guard to deploy for protests ...