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By Sophie Clark
Live News Reporter
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The National Guard has already been deployed to Los Angeles and is now being told to be on standby for unrest in Texas and Missouri 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. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has also activated local National Guard, in what he says is a "proactive approach" to protests this weekend.
This comes after President Donald Trump—and not California Governor Gavin Newsom—called for the National Guard to quell demonstrations against ICE deportations in LA.
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Abbott's press secretary 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."
Why It Matters
Organizers from dozens of grassroots groups say the demonstrations are meant to "reject authoritarianism." Previous anti-Trump rallies drew large crowds, but activists expect this weekend to be the biggest since his inauguration, especially amid recent violent protests over immigration policy.
Calling out the National Guard risks escalating tensions: a military response could turn what planners call a peaceful show of dissent into the next flashpoint in the administration's standoff with its critics.
What To Know
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Several states are activating National Guard units ahead of "No Kings," a nationwide day of protests timed to coincide with Trump's June 14 military parade—and his 79th birthday.
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."
Missouri residents are now being warned by their Republican governor that National Guard troops will be present at protests this weekend.
Kehoe's office released a press statement said it was "a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country."
Florida's Republican 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 Newsom, a Democrat, who expressed anger at the National Guard being ordered into his state by Trump in the first place.
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
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's press secretary, 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."
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe told the press: "We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state...While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities."
California Governor Gavin Newsom in a June 10 post on X: "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."
Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a June 11 post 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 U.S. for June 14. Organizers have urged participants to stay peaceful.
Update 6:52 a.m. ET: This story was updated with new information.
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