Congressman Wesley Hunt Urges Preparedness for Upcoming kings Protests in Houston

Representative Wesley Hunt (R-TX) penned a stern letter to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, addressing the looming threat of violent demonstrations planned for Saturday, June 14th. The letter, marked with a sense of urgency, highlights concerns over the safety of Houston residents and law enforcement amid a wave of planned protests across Texas, including major cities like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. This correspondence comes in the wake of Governor Greg Abbott’s recent announcement to deploy the Texas National Guard to these locations to maintain order.

In his letter, Congressman Hunt emphasizes the critical need to prioritize the protection and safety of Americans and Texans, particularly in light of recent violent riots in Los Angeles. He points to incidents where attacks on law enforcement officers and ICE agents disrupted fundamental deportation operations, serving as a cautionary tale for Houston. “We must put an end to violent riots, such as those that occurred this week in Los Angeles,” Hunt writes, urging a zero-tolerance policy for such disturbances in Harris County and Houston.

The congressman notes that more than 1,800 riots have been planned at locations across the country, with Houston singled out as a focal point. He describes June 14th as a day of mobilization to protest the current administration’s immigration policies, warning that the city could see significant unrest. Referencing the Los Angeles riots, where American flags were burned, cars were destroyed, and public property was vandalized, Hunt stresses the potential for similar chaos in Houston if proactive measures are not taken.

Hunt’s letter underscores the importance of protecting public servants, including ICE agents and law enforcement officers, who he says are being violently targeted through acts of domestic terrorism. He contrasts the situation with California, where he believes leaders have failed to safeguard their citizens, asserting that Houston must not follow suit. “Rather, we should prepare for the worst to provide the safest outcome for the people of Houston,” he states.

In a call to action, Hunt urges Hidalgo and Whitmire to ensure their preparations for potential violent demonstrations are robust. He offers federal support, instructing them to contact his office immediately if further assistance is required. The letter is copied to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and several Harris County Constables, including Alan Rosen, Jerry Garcia, Sherman Eagleton, Mark Herman, Terry Albbritton, Silvia Treviño, James Phillips, and Phil Sandlin, signaling a coordinated effort to address the impending protests.

This letter arrives as tensions rise over immigration policy debates, with the planned protests expected to draw significant attention. Governor Abbott’s deployment of the National Guard aligns with Hunt’s call for heightened security, reflecting a broader state strategy to prevent the kind of violence seen elsewhere. As Houston braces for the weekend, the city’s leaders face mounting pressure to balance public safety with the right to peaceful assembly, setting the stage for a critical test of local governance.

In response to Hunt’s letter, County Judge Lina Hidalgo has issued a statement:

Abbott has also issued a statement concerning the upcoming protests in which he will be deploying the National Guard to keep protesters from being unruly: