14-06-2025
LIVE BLOG: ‘No Kings' protests across Central Texas
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hundreds of protests will happen across the country Saturday, including in Austin, Bastrop, Pflugerville and Taylor.
The 'No Kings' day of action happened the same day as, and in opposition to, a Washington, D.C. military parade on President Donald Trump's birthday. Planning for the parade began two years ago and was intended to commemorate the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
Watch the DC military parade here
Earlier in the week, Trump ordered the California National Guard and Marines to assist the law enforcement response to protests in Los Angeles. Those began after Trump ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to step up arrests in that city.
After an anti-ICE protest in Austin on Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers to be on standby around the state ahead of Saturday's protests. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said at a Thursday press conference that they support the rights of protesters, but that action would be taken to remove instigators.
Activist coalition Hands Off Central Texas (HOCTX) organized the local protests. HOCTX President Sophia Mirto told KXAN Wednesday that the group routinely holds events at the Capitol and cooperates with DPS when making protest plans.
'The group organizing Saturday's protest has a well-established record of peaceful advocacy and responsible civic engagement, and the event was approved by the State Preservation Board (of which Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick both are members) with the expectation of a safe, respectful gathering,' said State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, who sponsored the Saturday Capitol rally.
Information below comes from KXAN journalists on scene at the protests.
10 a.m.
KXAN reporter Mercedez Hernandez said there were at least 100 people present in Taylor for the protest.
Texas DPS, Taylor Police and Williamson County Sheriff's Office deputies have routinely been circling the block, but there has been no obvious law enforcement presence or counter-protesters.
9:57 a.m.
KXAN found at least 63 Texas locations listed online where anti-Trump demonstrations are advertised to take place this weekend, fueled by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants. In Central Texas, that includes Austin, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Lockhart, Pflugerville and Taylor.
Protests began in Bastrop and Taylor, Texas. KXAN crews are monitoring these protests.
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