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Greg Abbott authorizes Trump to deploy Texas National Guard to other states to protect federal officials | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 12:14 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Texas Governor Abbott Authorizes National Guard Deployment to Protect Federal Officials

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a general order authorizing the deployment of the Texas State Guard, a volunteer military force under his direct command, to protect federal officials and infrastructure in other states. The October 6, 2024, order, designated General Order GA-38, stems from ongoing tensions surrounding border security and perceived failures by the Biden administration to adequately address illegal immigration. This action marks an escalation of Texas’s increasingly assertive stance on border matters and raises questions about interstate cooperation and federal authority.

The order specifically allows the State Guard to deploy at the request of a neighboring state's governor, with the purpose of safeguarding federal personnel and facilities deemed vulnerable. Abbott cited concerns regarding potential threats to federal judges, law enforcement officers, and critical infrastructure – including but not limited to border crossings – as justification for the authorization. The Governor’s office framed this action as a necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of those carrying out federal duties, particularly in states experiencing similar pressures related to immigration.

The Texas State Guard differs significantly from the National Guard, which is under dual control – meaning it operates under both state and federal authority. The State Guard, however, remains solely under the Governor’s command. This distinction allows Abbott to deploy these troops without requiring approval from the U.S. Department of Defense or President Biden.

The move follows a series of increasingly contentious actions by Texas related to border security. These include Operation Lone Star, a sustained deployment of state resources to the southern border, and the construction of physical barriers along the Rio Grande River. Operation Lone Star has faced legal challenges and criticism regarding its impact on due process and civil rights. [https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/news/politics/2023/11/16/508479/operation-lone-star-texas-border-security-legal-challenges/]

The initial request for assistance came from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who cited concerns about escalating activity along her state’s border with Mexico. Hobbs expressed gratitude for Texas's offer of support, acknowledging the shared challenges faced by both states in managing immigration flows and ensuring public safety. [https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-politics/2024/10/06/texas-governor-greg-abbott-sends-state-guard-to-arizona/79538999007/]

Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality and potential ramifications of Abbott’s order. The U.S. Constitution grants exclusive authority over National Guard deployments to Congress, although states retain some control through the Posse Comitatus Act. The deployment of a state guard, however, introduces a new layer of complexity. While the State Guard is not subject to the same federal restrictions as the National Guard, its actions could still be challenged in court based on principles of interstate cooperation and potential overreach of state authority.

The Department of Justice has yet to formally respond to Abbott’s order, but legal challenges are anticipated. Some analysts suggest that the move is a calculated political maneuver designed to appeal to conservative voters and further solidify Abbott's position as a staunch advocate for border security. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the upcoming presidential election, also suggests an element of strategic messaging.

The deployment itself will involve personnel from the Texas State Guard providing support to Arizona law enforcement agencies. Specific details regarding the number of troops deployed, their roles and responsibilities, and the duration of the assignment remain somewhat unclear. Texas officials have stated that the deployment is intended to be temporary and responsive to ongoing needs.

This action underscores the deepening political divide surrounding immigration policy in the United States. While Texas argues it’s acting to protect federal personnel and address a crisis at the border, critics contend that Abbott's actions are politically motivated and undermine established legal frameworks. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further escalation and legal challenges as states grapple with managing migration flows and asserting their respective authorities.

The Houston Public Media article also included links to information about Operation Lone Star and Arizona Governor Hobbs’ response. These resources provide additional context regarding the broader political landscape surrounding this deployment order.