In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott outlined the reasons for his strong partnership with President Trump, emphasizing their shared commitment to the rule of law and public safety. Abbott stated, “We both believe in the rule of law. We both believe in public safety. We both believed in securing the borders.” This common belief underpins their collaboration, especially as Abbott’s National Guard troops are deployed in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Chicago amidst ongoing protests and disruptions.
Abbott explained the necessity of deploying about 200 Texas National Guard troops to the Chicago area, where recent protests against ICE have escalated into violence. He described the scenes involving large crowds, some labeled “violent rioters” by the Department of Homeland Security, blocking access to an ICE facility. Abbott noted that local law enforcement has offered little support during these challenging times.
The current tense climate in Chicago underscores the challenges federal agents face while attempting to carry out their duties. Abbott criticized the lack of assistance from Democrat leaders in Illinois, stating, “DHS has said its agents have received little to no support.” This unfortunate situation prompted Abbott to provide authority for deploying up to 400 Texas National Guard troops nationally under Title 10, highlighting the state’s readiness to act when needed.
Abbott believes the Texas National Guard’s experience with civil unrest, particularly by the southern border during the previous administration, makes their deployment to Chicago a natural choice. He said, “What the National Guard is trained and skilled at doing is dealing with civil unrest like that.” This assertion speaks to the key role the National Guard plays in maintaining order during volatile situations. He confirmed that they are there not to patrol cities or enforce law but to ensure that federal authorities can perform their duties without interference.
Moreover, Abbott foresaw the possibility of future collaborations with the Trump administration, though he refrained from detailing any specific plans. His focus remained on Texas’ readiness to assist when the nation requires support. “No one can accurately predict exactly what’s going to happen in the future,” he observed, but underscored, “What I can predict is how Texas will respond.”
In summary, Governor Abbott’s statements reflect a firm stance on law enforcement and public safety and illustrate a partnership between Texas and the federal government, anchored in shared principles. The deployment of the National Guard aims to safeguard federal operations and uphold the rule of law, highlighting Texas’s pivotal role during this period of unrest in Chicago and beyond.
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