Featured

Austin Prepares for Anti-ICE Protests Over the Weekend

Tension between the Trump Administration and anti-ICE protests continues to rise ahead of planned protests in Austin this weekend. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed this week that the Texas National Guard may be called upon to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety if the situation escalates.

In a statement shared by KXAN, Mayor Watson emphasized Austin's commitment to peaceful assembly while warning against destructive behavior.

“The City of Austin has been notified that the National Guard will be prepared to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety on Saturday, if deemed necessary,” Mayor Watson said. “The City of Austin will continue to protect the right of people to peacefully assemble. We will continue to recognize the humanity and value of our immigrant community.”

The mayor urged protesters to remain peaceful, warning that violent acts or damage to property will only embolden those who undermine immigrant communities. “Destructive actions or efforts to hurt police is wrong. You are damaging your city,” he said. “Much of what we see out of Washington is to create fear and chaos— we should not play into these politics of fear.”

Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes voiced stronger opposition to the use of the National Guard as a response to protests. “We’ve seen this playbook before,” she said. “Military force used to threaten and silence communities demanding justice. To every Texan exercising their constitutionally protected free speech: know your rights, stay vigilant, and protect one another.”

Protests have erupted across the country as anti-ICE protestors rally against the Trump Administration’s enforcement of deportations. Critics argue that federal and state leadership are escalating tensions by deploying the National Guard, but supporters claim the response is necessary to maintain public safety.

Mayor Watson concluded his remarks by reminding residents of the stakes at hand, affirming, “we must continue to assert our First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble without creating negative consequences for real people already living in fear.”

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University.

Recent Posts

Texas Nuclear Alliance Welcomes American Fuel Resources as Newest Member

The Texas Nuclear Alliance (TNA) has announced that American Fuel Resources has joined as its…

4 hours ago

Governor Abbott Signs “Make America Healthy Again” Legislature

In a ceremonial bill signing held today, Governor Greg Abbott (R) officially signed into law…

4 hours ago

Paxton Urges Texas Supreme Court to Overturn Decision Favoring Beto O’Rourke, Court Denies him

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has filed an emergency appeal with the Texas Supreme…

4 hours ago

LONESTAR — 8.28.2025 — Texas Lawmakers Respond to Minnesota Shooting — Abbot Signs Bills Curbing Adversarial Influence in Texas — and More...

A devastating Catholic school shooting has taken place in Minnesota, leaving two dead and seventeen…

4 hours ago

Texas Legislature Approves Over-the-Counter Ivermectin

The Texas Legislature has approved a bill that would make ivermectin available to Texans without…

5 hours ago

Van Duyne Introduces Bill to Protect Seniors’ Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies

Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R) and Brad Schneider (D) have introduced a bipartisan bill that…

5 hours ago