The civil unrest that has consumed Los Angeles in recent days, sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, appears to be spreading rapidly across the United States, with major cities reporting widespread protests, arrests, and acts of violence on Tuesday night.
In response to the escalating chaos, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken action, deploying National Guard troops across his state to preempt potential violence and maintain order.
Los Angeles authorities initiated “mass arrests” late Tuesday and issued a curfew as days of rioting continued following the ICE operations. Businesses across the city were seen boarding up their establishments in anticipation of further looting and damage.
Local media outlets across the nation reported that Tuesday night saw multiple U.S. cities experience their own versions of Los Angeles’ turmoil, characterized by alleged assaults on police officers, fires, rock-throwing, and other violent acts. The spread of protests and subsequent arrests had already begun to extend beyond Los Angeles as of Monday night.
At least two individuals were arrested after Seattle protesters reportedly tore down American flags at a federal building and set them ablaze on Tuesday night. Earlier in the day, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers were filmed using crowd control munitions to repel “Antifa-style militants” who attempted to block entrances and exits to the building, which houses an immigration court.
Eighty-six arrests were made overnight in New York City starting Tuesday evening as protesters marched to a Manhattan immigration court and other locations, ABC7 reported. Police stated that individuals threw bottles at protesters and hurled debris and traffic cones onto the roadways.
Charges included assault, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, and obstructing government administration. Disturbing video footage captured one woman pleading with activists to allow her to drive past them to get to work, only to be told by a traffic-blocking activist that illegal migrants were “having their children taken and their parents.” Another video by Sky News showed a mob attempting to force their way past a line of police officers.
Protesters initially gathered at the Colorado State Capitol building before moving to block traffic on two major streets, according to Colorado Newsline. Police engaged in confrontations with rioters throughout the evening, resulting in at least 17 arrests for charges including obstruction of streets, graffiti, assaulting a peace officer, and unlawful throwing of projectiles. Authorities reportedly deployed smoke bombs and pepper balls to disperse the crowds.
An anti-ICE rally in Atlanta on Tuesday night, which organizers had agreed to disperse by 9 p.m., saw some protesters remain, leading to scuffles with police. A local Fox network reported that rioters damaged three police squad cars by throwing rocks and launched fireworks at officers. Police used tear gas to disperse the agitators and made at least six arrests.
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Amidst the sweeping wave of unrest, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced an early Wednesday X post that he is deploying National Guard troops across the state “to ensure peace and order.” This pre-emptive measure comes as a stark contrast to the unfolding chaos in other parts of the country. By Monday night, National Guard personnel were already positioned in San Antonio, anticipating scheduled left-wing protests for Wednesday and Saturday.
“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,” said the governor’s office.
The decision by Governor Abbott highlights a significant difference in approach compared to President Donald Trump’s earlier deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles on Saturday, which was a reactive measure after persistent rioting ignited by Friday’s ICE searches led to hundreds of arrests.
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While Texas has not been immune to anti-ICE and anti-Trump demonstrations, with crowds gathering in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio since Friday, Governor Abbott’s proactive deployment aims to prevent the widespread violence seen elsewhere. Law enforcement in Dallas made one arrest, and in Austin on Monday night, authorities resorted to arrests and tear gas to disperse crowds.
“Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles,” the Abbott spokesperson emphasized. “Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
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