In Los Angeles, U.S. Marines have been deployed amid anti-ICE protests. It’s the first time marines have been deployed in the U.S. without a request from a governor since the civil rights era in 1965. In Washington, D.C., the city is preparing for a military parade on Donald Trump’s birthday. It’s the first large military parade in the United States since 1991, during Desert Storm.
And in Austin, state police tear-gassed protesters this week who did not empty the street when ordered to. More than a dozen demonstrators were arrested. After the gas had dissipated, photos show scooters left in the street, apparently placed to block law enforcement motorcycles. The J.J. Pickle Building, where KXAN has reported ICE holds detainees, was peppered with pink paintball impacts and marker writing that read: “ICE NEEDS 2 SURRENDER & RELEASE THE HOSTAGES.” A glass door was broken, KXAN reported.
As more protesters plan to gather at the Texas state Capitol Saturday in opposition to Trump’s birthday parade, a militaristic response is all but promised. Trump said from the Oval Office Tuesday: “For those people that want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force.” Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted late that night that the Texas National Guard was deploying. He warned they “will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.” KUT reports that the city of Austin has been notified that the Texas National Guard will be “prepared to assist” this weekend.
The demonstration Saturday at 5pm is one of many “No Kings” protests planned across the country, responding to the Trump administration’s military parade and Napoleonic insistence that laws don’t apply to Trump. Abbott warned on X: “Peaceful protesting is legal. But once you cross the line, you will be arrested. FAFO.” That’s an acronym: Fuck around and find out.
This article appears in June 13 • 2025.
