No Kings Protest Set as Immigration Raids Stir Outrage
No Kings Protest Set for June 14 in Corpus Christi comes as immigration raids spark nationwide outrage and fuel a growing wave of public demonstrations across Texas. In response, Governor Greg Abbott deployed thousands of law enforcement and military personnel statewide to maintain order. Nevertheless, officials have not planned a similar deployment for the Corpus Christi protest.
In Corpus Christi, a peaceful “No Kings” protest will take place at Cole Park from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The local event is part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations opposing what organizers describe as “authoritarian excesses,” including deportations, detentions, and threats to free speech.
Governor Abbott Responds to Unrest Across Texas
On June 12, Governor Abbott officially announced the deployment of over 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers across the state. As a result, these measures aim to strengthen support for local law enforcement amid the growing wave of protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
Abbott said in an official statement that authorities will arrest anyone who engages in violence or damages property and hold them accountable to the full extent of the law.
In a June 10 social media post, Abbott Drew a clear distinction rrew a clear distinction between lawful and unlawful actions: “Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal and will lead to arrest.”
Corpus Christi Protest Will Proceed Peacefully, Organizers Say
Despite heightened law enforcement activity in Texas, state officials have not planned any deployments for Corpus Christi. According to an email from the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) on June 14, the department has not received any indication of incoming DPS or National Guard support.
The local activist group Indivisible Coastal Bend is organizing the protest, and group leader Stacie Garrecht confirmed that the city approved the event permit.
The group urges participants to stay calm, act peacefully, and avoid conflict.
“Our movement is rooted in nonviolence,” the protest’s online event page reads. “We ask all participants to actively help defuse any potential conflicts with individuals who may not share our values.”
Local Law Enforcement Will Monitor for Public Safety
While state officials will not deploy outside forces to Corpus Christi, the CCPD remains actively engaged. Senior Officer Antonio Contreras said the department knows about the weekend protest and will maintain presence to ensure public safety.
“The safety of our citizens and the public is our top priority,” Contreras said. “We will monitor events and have additional officers in the area to monitor.”
Recent Protests Escalate in Other Texas Cities
Although Corpus Christi’s demonstrations have remained peaceful, protests in other cities have seen escalations. On June 9, Austin police arrested 13 protesters and used tear gas after a crowd refused to disperse peacefully. Texas National Guard troops made their first appearance at a protest during the June 12 demonstration in San Antonio.
Earlier on June 10, a peaceful protest unfolded in Corpus Christi, thereby setting the tone for a calm June 14 event.
Looking Ahead
As tensions escalate across Texas, communities must balance the right to protest peacefully with law enforcement’s responsibility to ensure safety. Meanwhile, in Corpus Christi, local organizers and authorities actively coordinate to ensure a peaceful, safe protest environment.
Looking ahead, peaceful demonstrators will gather June 14 at Cole Park’s No Kings Protest to voice immigration and democracy concerns. If this cooperative spirit endures, Corpus Christi could once again set a strong example of civic engagement without conflict.