AUSTIN, Texas — City officials in Austin are gearing up for a weekend of protests organized against the Trump administration, particularly focusing on immigration enforcement policies.
The Austin City Council is taking proactive measures to protect the rights of citizens to engage in peaceful protests ahead of Saturday’s demonstration titled “No Kings, Kick Out the Clowns” at the Texas Capitol.
Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis held a joint news conference to share details about their preparations for the expected turnout.
Mayor Watson emphasized the city’s strong tradition of peaceful assembly and the passionate spirit of Austinites regarding human rights and due process.
“This is Austin, Texas, and people here are passionate,” Watson stated. “We have a strong tradition in Austin of peaceful assembly.”
He reiterated the importance of allowing voices to be heard while stressing that violence and property destruction would not be tolerated during the protests.
“I trust the people of Austin. I trust the people of Texas,” Watson said. “Like other Austinites, I count on them to make their voices heard peacefully.”
The mayor confirmed that Texas National Guard troops would be deployed at the protest alongside the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Texas Department of Public Safety, following an earlier announcement by Governor Greg Abbott.
Governor Abbott stated that he would be deploying 5,000 National Guard troops and an additional 2,000 state police officers across Texas to help maintain order during the protests.
While acknowledging the governor’s deployment, Watson expressed skepticism regarding its necessity.
“I want you to know that was not my decision or anyone’s at the city, nor do we think it’s necessary,” he said, critiquing the intent behind such military presence as perpetuating fear and chaos.
Watson’s sentiments mirrored those of outgoing San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who reported that he was not informed about the troop deployments prior to their announcement.
Chief Davis underscored the importance of citizens exercising their First Amendment rights peacefully and affirmed that the APD is prepared for the events on Saturday.
“There will be an increased presence of officers,” Davis stated, adding that her department has maintained open lines of communication with state and federal agencies as well as with the organizers of the protest.
She encouraged participants to engage peacefully, saying, “If you choose to participate in the assembly and assemble, we urge you to do so peacefully.”
Davis reiterated trust in the local community’s commitment to peaceful protest, affirming that the APD is equipped to manage the event.
“I know this for sure; we have the resources available to address this assembly ourselves,” she mentioned, suggesting readiness without the need for external military support.
Adding to the debate on the National Guard’s involvement, Watson stated, “I don’t believe that we should militarize the streets of the capital city of the state of Texas.”
He expressed his concerns that such militarization sends a negative message about Texas and may deter residents from participating in constitutional activities freely.
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu indicated he is sponsoring the protest, which received official approval from the State Preservation Board, a requirement for events on the Texas Capitol grounds.
Wu stressed the importance of the protest as a platform for Texan voices that feel marginalized and systematically overlooked by those in power.
“I’m sponsoring the ‘No Kings’ protest at our Capitol to give every Texan a chance to make their voices heard,” Wu commented. “The group organizing Saturday’s protest has a well-established record of peaceful advocacy and responsible civic engagement.”
He also condemned any potential violence during the event and reiterated support for First Amendment rights, hoping for a gathering free from intimidation or fear.
As the weekend approaches, both local leaders and protest organizers anticipate a significant turnout and hope for a peaceful demonstration of civic engagement in Austin.
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