Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston) spoke at the beginning of the "No Kings" protest at Houston's City Hall on Saturday.

Houston prepares for a weekend of protests as Governor Abbott deploys National Guard statewide. HOUSTON — As unrest continues in other parts of the country, local and state leaders in Texas are preparing for what is expected to be a busy weekend of protests.

The protests in Texas followed days of unrest in Los Angeles, where President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops in response to demonstrations.

Tensions in Los Angeles escalated after an ICE raid on June 6 led to the arrest of several individuals, which sparked organized protests across Texas.

The Houston Chronicle, Texas's top selling newspaper, has published an editorial fiercely critical of Governor Greg Abbott over his rhetoric and decision to deploy Texas National Guard troops in response to protests against immigration enforcement,

After Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops across the state ahead of mass, anti-Trump protests, internal memos obtained by the American-Statesman reveal military leaders are scrambling to find and train enough personnel for the mission.

Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed he is deploying the National Guard to Texas cities with planned anti-ICE protests, which have followed those in LA.