Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has authorized the deployment of the National Guard in Austin in anticipation of the ‘No Kings’ protests scheduled for October 18, 2025. Abbott cited alleged links between the demonstrations and antifa groups as the reason for the military presence. Protest organizers have refuted these claims, stating their intentions for peaceful assembly.

Story Highlights

• Governor Abbott deploys National Guard, citing alleged Antifa links.
• Protest organizers deny claims and assert peaceful intentions.
• Demonstrations are planned across 2,600 cities, challenging executive power.
• Deployment prompts discussion over constitutional rights and security.

Governor Abbott’s Military Mobilization

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed the National Guard in Austin prior to the ‘No Kings’ protests on October 18, 2025. Governor Abbott stated that the demonstrations are connected to antifa groups, justifying the military presence as necessary for maintaining order. This action has drawn criticism and raised questions regarding the balance between security measures and constitutional rights. Organizers of the protests have been preparing participants for peaceful engagement, emphasizing lawful conduct.

The protests, planned in over 2,600 cities nationwide, aim to challenge what participants describe as President Trump’s expansion of executive power. This marks the second major mobilization of the ‘No Kings’ movement since its inception in June 2025. The movement’s name references American principles opposing monarchical authority and advocating for constitutional limits on presidential power.

Governor @GregAbbott_TX has directed the Texas National Guard and @TxDPS to deploy personnel and tactical assets to Austin ahead of a planned antifa- linked demonstration.

Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas.

More: https://t.co/rbUgYuSdHH pic.twitter.com/qIctzFK81y

— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) October 16, 2025

Constitutional and Civil Rights Concerns

The deployment of military forces before these protests has raised concerns regarding First Amendment rights to peaceful assembly. The American Civil Liberties Union has characterized the protests as a patriotic exercise. The presence of the National Guard could potentially deter participation, despite organizers’ efforts to ensure nonviolent demonstrations.

Democratic leaders in Texas have suggested that Governor Abbott is using the National Guard as a tactic to intimidate, arguing that the military presence is unnecessary and could increase tensions. This situation contributes to the broader national discussion concerning the role of security forces during public demonstrations and the implications for civil liberties.

Implications for Future Protests

The outcome of these protests may influence how similar events are managed in the future. The decision to deploy the National Guard preemptively could affect governmental responses to demonstrations, particularly those challenging executive authority. The scale of the planned protests indicates significant grassroots mobilization, and their peaceful nature will be a factor in shaping public perception and the movement’s direction.

The ‘No Kings’ protests are seen as a test of America’s commitment to democratic principles and the rights of citizens to peaceful dissent. The balance between security and freedom remains a key issue, with potential long-term effects on civil liberties and public protest dynamics.

Watch the report: Abbott to deploy DPS and National Guard for ‘No Kings’ protests

Sources:

National Guard Deployment During ‘Antifa-linked’ No Kings Protests in Texas
Governor Abbott Deploys DPS, Texas National Guard Ahead Of Antifa-Linked Protest
Gov. Abbott deploys Texas National Guard to Austin ahead of planned weekend protests