HOUSTON – As civil protests escalate in Los Angeles and other cities nationwide, Houston officials say they are preparing for potential demonstrations.
2 Investigates has learned local and federal law enforcement agencies in Houston are closely monitoring developments on the West Coast.
The Trump administration has deployed Marines and the National Guard in Los Angeles following violent clashes between protesters and authorities.
“We are prepared,” said Doug Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers’ Union. “HPD is already on alert.”
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Houston police say they are coordinating with other local, state, and federal agencies, should protests erupt here.
Former U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick, who oversaw the Southern District of Texas during the 2020 George Floyd demonstrations, says communication between agencies is critical in avoiding civil unrest.
“I was in constant communication with our major and even smaller city police chiefs, sheriffs, the state police, our National Guard,” Patrick said. “We wanted to make sure there weren’t any gaps that could create more problems.”
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Law enforcement says peaceful demonstrations are welcome, but they’re prepared to respond if any situation escalates.
“We have no problems with peaceful protests all day long,” Griffith said. “Our issue is when agitators jump in and want to do stupid stuff. Those people need to stay away.”
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Immigration attorneys are urging undocumented individuals to stay away from protests due to potential legal consequences.
“I would frankly say that this is not the time to go out and protest if you are undocumented,” said immigration attorney Naimeh Salem. “Undocumented people need to be aware that they are at risk right now.”
Demonstrations in Houston have remained peaceful so far, including one in Montrose on Sunday, where no arrests were reported.
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KPRC 2 will continue to follow developments locally and across the country as cities prepare for more protests in the days ahead.
