- FURTHER READING: Riot participants release online the hotels where federal agents are staying during the Los Angeles riots.
The mayor of San Antonio, who belongs to the Democratic party, criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for sending the state's National Guard to the mostly Hispanic town before immigration demonstrations that have not yet occurred.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg denounced the action as unwarranted and driven by politics, drawing parallels to what former President did. Donald Trump The use of military personnel during demonstrations Los Angeles —a choice made without involving local officials.
In contrast to Los Angeles, the demonstrations in San Antonio have not reached that stage yet, and local authorities do not seem to anticipate requiring the involvement of the Texas National Guard at this time. Democrat added.
"This has been aimed at theater and provocation," Nirenberg said to journalists during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Following standard procedure, a mayor would seek help from the National Guard by requesting support from the governor during crises like natural calamities or expected unrest.
Nevertheless, Nirenberg disclosed that both he and the police department had not been consulted or informed prior to the Guard’s deployment.
No, sir — and we received no prior notification as well," the mayor stated. "This information was not provided to us. We had to search for it ourselves.
Beside the mayor, Police Chief William McManus verified that the San Antonio Police Department was unaware of both the National Guard’s involvement and their number of personnel. They also stated they hadn’t received any direct communications from the Guard leadership—a surprising absence of collaboration.
We are completely ready for a calm procession," McManus stated, speaking about the intended march at the Alamo set for Wednesday night and another event, an opposition rally against Trump, planned for Saturday. "However, we are equally equipped should things escalate into violence.
Gov. Greg Abbott previously deployed National Guard personnel to the southern border during President Joe Biden's tenure as another contentious move.
Regarding inquiries from the Daily Mail, Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, supported the choice.
"Peaceful demonstrations are woven into the very essence of our country, however, Texas will not accept the disorder witnessed in Los Angeles," Mahaleris stated to Daily Mail via an email message.
'Any individual involved in acts of violence or destruction of property will face immediate consequences.'
Recently held protests against ICE in Austin and Dallas remained mostly calm; however, 13 people were arrested in Austin, with reports indicating that three police officers sustained injuries from projectiles being thrown at them.
A fourth police officer got hurt and was spit upon during the process of apprehending a protester.
In San Antonio, the rollout has caused bewilderment and irritation.
The city officials were unprepared as the mayor's term was coming to an end the following week.
Local officials assert that they have the capability to handle the demonstrations without requiring assistance from the national military.
"I completely trust our San Antonio Police Department and our community to demonstrate a model of peaceful protest," Nirenberg stated.
We should condemn brutality, yet we must do it calmly and without violence. This is the strongest way to show dissent.
For several weeks now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been conducting arrests discreetly at San Antonio’s federal courthouse. aiming at migrants following mandated check-in procedures .
The leading authorities of the city have stated that although they respect peaceful demonstrations, those who use these gatherings as a pretext for violent actions will encounter repercussions.
Local authorities were unable to specify what part the troops would play during the demonstrations.
"I'm not sure about the number of [Guard members] present or their intended actions," stated Chief McManus.
'Perhaps you should ask Austin that question.'
The mayor of Austin has also stated that the National Guard is ready as backup for potential protests in his city this weekend.
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