Editor’s Note: The above video is from a June 10, 2025, news conference regarding the Austin anti-ICE protest.

AUSTIN (KXAN) On Tuesday night, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he would deploy the Texas National Guard to locations across the state.

In a social media post, Abbott said the deployment was to “ensure peace & order.”

Abbott said the Texas National Guard would help law enforcement maintain order.

“Peaceful protest is legal,” Abbott said. “Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest.”

On Wednesday morning, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed: “The City of Austin has been notified that the National Guard will be prepared to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety on Saturday, if deemed necessary.”

The San Antonio Police Department also confirmed Abbott sent members of the National Guard to San Antonio; however, it did not provide any additional details about the deployment.

affiliate KXAN reached out to Abbott’s office before the announcement. Andrew Mahaleris, Press Secretary at the Office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, provided the following statement.

“The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary personnel and resources to uphold law and order across our state. Texas National Guard soldiers are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed,” Mahaleris said. “Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but 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.”