The Democratic mayor of San Antonio criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for deploying the state’s National Guard to the predominantly Hispanic city ahead of immigration protests that, so far, haven’t happened.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg condemned the move as unnecessary and politically motivated, comparing it to former President Donald Trump’s deployment of military forces during protests in Los Angeles — a decision that bypassed local authorities.

Unlike LA, the protests in San Antonio haven’t yet, and there is no indication from local law enforcement that the Texas National Guard is needed, the Democrat added.

‘This has been geared towards theatre and provocation,’ Nirenberg told reporters at a press conference Wednesday.

Under normal protocol, a mayor would request National Guard assistance from the governor in response to emergencies such as natural disasters or anticipated violence.

However, Nirenberg revealed that neither he nor the police department were consulted or informed before the Guard’s deployment.

‘No, sir — and we didn’t receive any advance warning either,’ the mayor said. ‘We weren’t given this information. We had to go looking for it.’

Standing alongside the mayor, Police Chief William McManus confirmed that the San Antonio Police Department had not been informed of the Guard’s role or numbers and has had no direct communication with Guard leaders — an unusual lack of coordination.

Army National Guard soldiers close a gate after concluding a boat patrol on the Rio Grande River at the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas

The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas will be the site of a protest Wednesday night

‘We are fully prepared for a peaceful demonstration,’ McManus said, referring to a planned protest at the Alamo on Wednesday evening and an anti-Trump rally scheduled for Saturday. ‘But we are also prepared if it turns violent.’

Gov. Greg Abbott previously sent Guard troops to the southern border during President Joe Biden’s administration in another controversial decision.

In response to questions from the Daily Mail, Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, defended the decision.

‘Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we’ve seen in Los Angeles,’ Mahaleris told Daily Mail in emailed statement.

‘Anyone engaging in violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable.’

Recent anti-ICE demonstrations in Austin and Dallas were largely peaceful, though 13 arrests were made in Austin, where three officers were reportedly injured by thrown objects. 

A fourth officer was injured and spat on while detaining a demonstrator.

In San Antonio, the deployment has stirred confusion and frustration. 

San Antonio leaders held a press conference Wednesday morning to announce they felt there was no need for the Texas National Guard to be mobilized to the city ahead of anti-ICE and anti-Trump protests this week. Police Chief William McManus stands at the podium while Mayor Ron Nirenberg stands to his right

 Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) arrives to speak to reporters outside of the West Wing after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. Abbott met with Trump to discuss the situation on the southern border. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

A family from Cuba is detained and escorted to a bus following an appearance at immigration court, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

A family from Cuba is detained and loaded on to a bus with tinted windows and bars following an appearance at immigration court, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

City officials were caught off guard, with the mayor’s term set to end next week.

 Local authorities insist they can manage the protests without state military intervention.

‘I have full faith in our San Antonio Police Department and our community to set an example of peaceful protest,’ Nirenberg said.

 ‘We must speak out against cruelty, but do so peacefully. That’s the most powerful form of opposition.’

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests have been quietly taking place for weeks at San Antonio’s federal courthouse, targeting migrants complying with court-mandated check-ins.

The city’s top officials made clear that while peaceful protests will be respected, anyone using them as a cover for violence will face consequences.

City officials could not answer what role soldiers would play in the protests. 

‘I don’t know how many [Guard members] are here or what they’re going to do,’ Chief McManus said. 

‘That question is probably better directed to Austin.’ 

Austin’s mayor also confirmed the National Guard is on standby for protest in his city over the weekend.