Latest news with #NoKingsDayofMobilizations
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas rep: Abbott's lack of communication about National Guard deployment is 'frightening'
San Antonio's Democratic state House delegation is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to brief the city on the National Guard deployment. Guard members arrived in the city Tuesday night, ahead of planned protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. In a letter addressed to the governor, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer shared his "concern over the lack of coordination with local authorities in the staging of Texas National Guard troops in San Antonio." He explained that city officials and local law enforcement have not been briefed, citing a Wednesday press conference with Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Police Chief William McManus. "The Governor has since confirmed that Texas National Guard troops are being deployed in cities around the state. That communication available purely on social media raises more questions than it answers," Fischer wrote. "If the protests around the state pose a threat significant enough to justify military intervention, then local leaders must be informed of that threat and the state's response." On behalf of the Bexar County Legislative Delegation, Fischer asked for a briefing "on the deployment's scope, legal authority, and operational goals." He referred to the legal challenge of a similar action in Los Angeles, in which federal troops responded to anti-ICE protests despite objections from California's governor as well as local officials. 'Briefings and coordination at every level are critical," Fischer wrote in closing. "Sending soldiers into our cities without explanation invites conflict and puts our communities at risk." Fischer posted his letter to social media, saying, "The lack of communication is frightening." He also listed other state representatives who share his concerns: Ray Lopez, Liz Campos, Josey Garcia, Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and Diego Barnel. Several Texas cities are expected to hold rallies for "No Kings Day of Mobilizations" on Saturday, June 14. The protests are organized by "50501," a grassroots movement enabling independent organization across the country, My San Antonio reports. "No Kings Day" has been intentionally planned for the same day as the Trump administration's military parade in D.C., which also coincides with Trump's birthday. What is 'No Kings' day? What to know about Texas protests on June 14, Trump's birthday News of the National Guard's deployment comes after hundreds of protesters assembled at the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday to show support for those protesting ICE actions in Los Angeles. Similar demonstrations were held in downtown Dallas that same evening, and protests also occurred in San Antonio and Houston over the weekend. Tensions in Los Angeles escalated after an ICE raid on June 6 led to the arrest of several individuals. The operation sparked protests that escalated over the weekend, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. On June 9, California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment of the National Guard without prior consultation with Governor Gavin Newsom. The governor criticized the decision in a social media post, calling it "illegal and immoral." In another post that morning, Newsom accused Trump of "illegally" federalizing the Guard and declared, "We're suing him." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas lawmakers criticize Gov. Abbott for National Guard deployment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
What is 'No Kings' day? What to know about Texas protests on June 14, Trump's birthday
Thousands of protests are set to take place across the United States this weekend in response to administration policies under President Donald Trump. The 'No Kings National Day of Mobilizations' comes as protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles have escalated after President Trump deployed the National Guard to the state, an unusual step without the permission of the governor. Texas officials have taken similar measures, as Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed this week that he will deploy the National Guard to cities throughout the state amid ongoing protests in San Antonio and Austin. Here's what we know. The protests are scheduled for Saturday, the same day the Trump administration has planned a pomp-filled military parade in Washington, D.C., for Flag Day, which is also Trump's birthday. The demonstrations are organized by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of progressive political action groups, which states that it is organizing 'to reject corrupt, authoritarian politics.' 'They've defied our courts, deported citizens, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, slashed essential services, and handed billions to their allies. Enough is enough,' a press release states. 'This country doesn't belong to a king — and we're not letting him throw himself a parade funded by tens of millions of our taxpayer dollars while stealing from us and stripping away our rights, our freedoms, and the programs our families rely on.' The website adds that the day is to "gather to remind President Trump and his enablers: America has No King!" June 14 is Flag Day, which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. To celebrate, the U.S. Army is holding a military parade that will cross in front of Trump's viewing stand and bisect the National Mall. It is expected to include 7,500 soldiers and 120 vehicles, and is estimated to cost up to $45 million. It is also Trump's 79th birthday. Trump has long wanted to hold military parades, pushing for them twice during his first term. However, his former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis objected to the idea as a politicization of the military. In response to the parade and other grievances with the Trump administration, No Kings is planning protests nationwide. 'President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else,' says the website. 'From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we're taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.' Trump has promised retaliation for protesters, stating on June 10 that "they're going to be met with very big force." Several Texas cities are expected to hold rallies for "No Kings Day of Mobilizations" this weekend. You can find one near you on this map. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What does 'No Kings' mean? Anti-Trump protests planned on his birthday
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Peace & order': Greg Abbott deploys National Guard to Texas cities for anti-ICE protests
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has confirmed he is deploying the National Guard to cities throughout the state in anticipation of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson told the American-Statesman on Wednesday that the city has been notified the Texas National Guard "will be prepared to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety if deemed necessary" for planned protests this weekend. The San Antonio Police Department confirmed to local news outlet KTSA that guard members had arrived in San Antonio Tuesday night, ahead of planned protests in the downtown area on Wednesday and in Travis Park on Saturday. Several Texas cities are expected to hold rallies for "No Kings Day of Mobilizations" on Saturday, June 14. The protests are organized by "50501," a grassroots movement enabling independent organization across the country, My San Antonio reports. "No Kings Day" has been intentionally planned for the same day as the Trump administration's military parade in D.C., which also coincides with Trump's birthday. Abbott gave the following statement to KTSA: 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. Abbott provided further clarification in a social media post on Tuesday. "Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order," Abbott wrote. "Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest. @TexasGuard will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order." Abbott had not disclosed further details as of Wednesday morning, including which other cities the National Guard may be deployed to. News of the National Guard's deployment comes after hundreds of protesters assembled at the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday to show support for those protesting ICE actions in Los Angeles. Similar demonstrations were held in downtown Dallas that same evening, and protests also occurred in San Antonio and Houston over the weekend. See videos, images of protesters holding anti-ICE rallies across Texas. Tensions in Los Angeles escalated after an ICE raid on June 6 led to the arrest of several individuals. The operation sparked protests that escalated over the weekend, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. On June 9, California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment of the National Guard without prior consultation with Governor Gavin Newsom. The governor criticized the decision in a social media post, calling it "illegal and immoral." In another post that morning, Newsom accused Trump of "illegally" federalizing the Guard and declared, "We're suing him." — KTSA contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas anti-ICE protests: Gov. Greg Abbott deploys National Guard
