Inspired by demonstrations in Los Angeles, protesters in Texas have gathered in droves to challenge the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration crackdown.
Like California, the Lone Star State is home to one of the country’s largest immigrant populations. Over the past few days, demonstrators have said they are speaking out for members of their community, many who fear taking to the streets themselves.
“Immigrants are the backbone of our society. Once again, they are all of us. They are our family members. They are our community members,” Laiba Khan, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, told CNN affiliate KEYE.
What began as a show of solidarity devolved into chaos in Austin on Monday, when police declared an unlawful gathering outside the J.J. Pickle Federal Building, later deploying tear gas on demonstrators, KEYE reported.
Another protest near the State Capitol building, also in Austin, ended with law enforcement deploying tear gas and pepper rounds, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
Thirteen people were arrested in the city, police said.
About 290 kilometers (180 miles) away in Dallas, video from a Monday demonstration shows a tense standoff unfolding between protesters and police in riot gear. Several demonstrators, their faces covered with bandanas and masks, were heard shouting expletives.
An observer told CNN that police used what he believes was mace on a person being restrained and another person attempting to intervene.
Hundreds gathered outside San Antonio’s City Hall on Sunday in a protest that remained peaceful, CNN affiliate KSAT reported. Ahead of more demonstrations in the southern Texas city, Mayor Ron Nirenberg urged residents to “exercise their rights…safely and responsibly.”
Nirenberg’s calls for calm come after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the Texas National Guard, ahead of the planned protests.
“The reports of the Governor deploying the National Guard to our community underscore the need for us to remain peaceful and safe this weekend,” Nirenberg said.
