2 days ago
Map Shows States Where National Guard Has Been Deployed to Quell Unrest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The National Guard has already been deployed to Los Angeles and is now being told to be on standby for unrest in Texas ahead of planned weekend protests.
Governor Greg Abbott has called for National Guard members to convene in Texas, as several 'No Kings' demonstrations are planned across the state on June 14.
This comes after the president, not the California governor, called for the National Guard to quell demonstrations against ICE deportations in LA.
Press Secretary for Governor Abbott, Andrew Mahaleris, told Newsweek: "Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles."
The Trump administration and other Republican officials have said extra law enforcement is needed in order to stop violent protests, but Democratic officials have said that the use of rubber bullets and tear gas by law enforcement is what's behind the escalation.
Many Americans fear the National Guard being sent to deal with protests given the legacy of the Kent State Massacre, where four students were killed, and nine were injured, including one who was paralyzed for the rest of their life, after National Guard members lacking de-escalation training opened fire on protesters at Kent State University.
What To Know
California National Guard positioned at the Federal Building as protests continue in Los Angeles on June 11, 2025.
California National Guard positioned at the Federal Building as protests continue in Los Angeles on June 11, 2025.
Ringo Chiu/AP Photo
Typically, the National Guard is deployed within the United States to help with rebuilding after a natural disaster.
The 'No Kings' demonstrations planned for June 14 are expected to be the largest nationwide protest against the Trump administration this year.
Protest organizers for June 14 have said they are providing de-escalation training to participants, but there is always the risk of lone demonstrators breaking into riots.
In response to a protest that escalated on June 9, the Austin Police Department (APD) deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and arrested eight people after four officers were injured in the incident.
APD has said: "We are also leveraging technology to help us monitor and respond more effectively to unfolding events, ensuring we maintain both accountability and transparency."
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has not called in the National Guard to protest in Florida but offered to send the Florida State Guard to California. This offer was denied by California governor Gavin Newsom, who expressed anger at the National Guard being ordered into his state at all.
DeSantis has also said it is acceptable for Floridians to hit protestors with their cars if they are trapped on a street with demonstrators on it.
What People Are Saying
Press Secretary for Governor Abbott, Andrew Mahaleris, told Newsweek: "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. 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."
California governor Gavin Newsom on X (formerly Twitter): "I was just informed Trump is deploying another 2,000 Guard troops to L.A. The first 2,000? Given no food or water. Only approx. 300 are deployed — the rest are sitting, unused, in federal buildings without orders. This isn't about public safety. It's about stroking a dangerous President's ego. This is Reckless. Pointless. And Disrespectful to our troops."
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Bluesky: "Everything was fine until Trump decided to unleash violent raids w/o grounds in elementary schools, shopping areas, & peaceful public spaces. ICE then illegally blocked Members of Congress entry into the facilities they are disappearing people into, escalating the situation. Let's start there."
Texas governor Greg Abbott on X: "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."
Austin Police Department in a press release: "As we prepare for the potential of additional demonstrations in the coming days, you will see an increased and visible presence of officers throughout the city. Our goal remains clear: to protect the safety and rights of everyone, community members and officers alike."
What Happens Next
Over 1,800 protests are planned across the US for June 14. Organizers have urged participants to stay peaceful.
