Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of the National Guard across the state in response to peaceful protests — a move that sends a dangerous and unnecessary message.

Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, not a threat.

Protesters in cities like San Antonio and Austin have shown up to stand against unjust immigration raids and harmful federal policies. Instead of meeting them with respect and listening to their voices, the state is preparing to meet them with force. This escalates tensions and invites violence, rather than preventing it.

Militarizing our communities does not create peace. It instills fear, silences dissent, and punishes people for exercising their rights. Flash-bangs, pepper spray, and arrests have already marred what began as peaceful demonstrations. Bringing in troops will only inflame the situation further.

Give people a chance to be peaceful.

Do not provoke confrontation and then blame protesters for reacting. We must de-escalate, not intimidate.

We call on Governor Abbott to immediately reverse the deployment of the National Guard, commit to protecting the right to protest peacefully, and ensure law enforcement is focused on de-escalation, not domination.

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