Texas Acts Decisively
As anti-ICE protests turned Los Angeles into a battleground of burning cars and blocked streets, Texas Governor Greg Abbott took swift action. He deployed over 5,000 National Guard soldiers and 2,000 Department of Public Safety troopers across the state to shield Texans from similar chaos. This bold response signals Texas's unwavering commitment to public safety when others hesitate.
The move followed reports of planned 'No Kings' demonstrations targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. These protests, sparked by President Trump's immigration crackdowns, have already fueled violence elsewhere. Abbott made it clear: Texas refuses to mirror Los Angeles, where looters exploited curfews. Why let law-abiding citizens suffer for unchecked unrest?
This surge of state forces reflects a core principle. Safety demands decisive action. While some states waver, Texas stands firm, ensuring protests remain peaceful and don't spiral into riots. Abbott's leadership resonates with Texans who value security over political games.
Why This Matters
The protests erupted after ICE's June 6 sweep in Los Angeles, which detained 2,200 people in one day. Advocates for immigrant rights label these operations excessive, yet they overlook a key fact: ICE enforces laws set by Congress to address illegal immigration's strain on communities, from schools to public safety. Through Operation Lone Star since 2021, Texas has supported federal efforts with state resources, reducing border crossings by 94 percent since last year.
Abbott's deployment upholds the rule of law. The Texas Military Department and DPS, equipped for crowd control and surveillance, work with local police to prevent violence. Unlike California, where Governor Newsom's defiance of federal authority triggered a lawsuit, Texas aligns with Trump's enforcement strategy. This partnership proves that decisive action delivers measurable results.
Protest organizers, like the '50501' network, claim to defend civil rights, but their tactics, such as freeway shutdowns and property damage, undermine their cause. When does protest become reckless disruption? Texans deserve leaders who prioritize order, and Abbott answers that call.
Debunking the Critics
Civil rights advocates and Governor Newsom assert that deploying troops curbs free speech, citing First Amendment rights. Civil rights advocates warn of 'democratic erosion,' and Newsom decries the federalization of California's Guard as authoritarian. These arguments falter under examination. Free speech doesn't justify vandalism or violence. The 2020 racial-justice protests, which caused significant damage, show the price of unchecked disorder. Texans won't bear that burden again.
Progressive activists push to abolish ICE, framing enforcement as cruel. Yet, only 25 percent of Democrats support this, and 57 percent view ICE unfavorably, which makes a weak case for radical overhaul. Most Americans favor secure borders and fair laws. Texas's expanded 287(g) agreements, enabling local officers to assist ICE, align with this demand for order and counter extremist calls to dismantle enforcement.
History refutes claims of overreach. From the 1968 riots to the 1992 Los Angeles unrest, strong responses have restored calm. Texas's Guard deployment, authorized by state law, mirrors these precedents while respecting federal boundaries. Protecting communities is a duty.
A Blueprint for Stability
Texas offers a national example. By deploying troops to deter violence, Abbott safeguards both free expression and public safety. His alignment with Trump's administration demonstrates effective federal-state collaboration. Falling border crossings and rising deportations confirm that enforcement, backed by resolve, works.
Protests, with larger rallies planned for June 14 alongside Trump's Washington parade, risk escalating tensions. If violence flares, the consequences could ripple nationwide. Texans, and all Americans, need leaders who value stability over appeasement, leaders who recognize that law enforcement protects communities.
Abbott's stand shapes the future. If protests disrupt cities without accountability, what follows? Texas has set a standard, proving that courage and order prevail. Other states would do well to follow this example. Protecting citizens begins with ensuring order.