San Antonio Protests Peacefully Despite Abbott’s Warnings and Police Presence

• Peaceful protests in San Antonio
• ICE and Abbott under criticism
• Mariachis support the demonstration

San Antonio experienced a day of protests marked by calm, defying warnings from the governor of Texas and demonstrating the civic strength of its Latino community.

Hundreds of people took to the streets on Wednesday night, protesting peacefully into the early hours of Thursday morning.

The march was part of a nationwide wave of mobilizations against the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump.

Despite alarms raised by Governor Greg Abbott, who announced the deployment of the National Guard, no troops were seen in the streets.

Protest in San Antonio Against Immigration Policies

“We’re going to keep order,” Abbott had declared to justify the preventative measure.

Even so, what was observed on the ground was the presence of local police and agents from the Texas Department of Public Safety—not the military.

Local authorities, who had also warned of possible unrest, remained alert, but no major incidents were reported.

The march began in front of City Hall and moved to landmarks like the Alamo.

There, where Texas’ independence from Mexico is remembered, different voices, memories, and demands echoed.

In a city with deeply Mexican roots, ICE detentions have caused growing tension.

Raids in workplaces and immigration courts have fueled both fear and outrage.

Influencer JC, 26, was one of the protest’s organizers.

Young Voices Raise the Migrant Flag

“People come to the U.S. from many parts of the world, risking everything to get here, and right now they can’t even use their voices,” JC told EFE.

He said his parents lived undocumented for years and that, as a U.S. citizen, he wants to speak out.

“I want to represent their community, without fear,” he said.

Many like him were present at the demonstration—children and grandchildren of immigrants who reject the persecution of today’s newcomers.

“How could we forget where we come from? I’m here for my dad and my grandparents, who are no longer with us,” said Nathaly Valdés, 31.

“It breaks my heart to see what’s happening. In the detained, I see their people—I see them,” she added emotionally.

Related: Protests Against ICE Spread Beyond Los Angeles: Tension Rises in Key U.S. Cities

For hours, downtown San Antonio was filled with chants, slogans, and determined steps.

“F*** ICE!” and “No justice, no peace!” were chanted in Spanish by the crowd.

Mariachis Join the Protest in San Antonio Spontaneously

Mariachis at a protest. Scenes from the demonstration against Trump’s immigration policies in San Antonio.

Scenes today from the protest against the Trump administration immigration crackdown in San Antonio. pic.twitter.com/YL7hRFgH30

— Alejandra Arredondo (@alejarcar) June 12, 2025

The scene took an unexpected turn when four mariachis joined the protest.

Dressed in traditional suits and carrying instruments, they interrupted the chanting with trumpets and guitars.

Amid cries of “Encore! Encore!” they played songs by Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernández, and Los Tigres del Norte.

One of them, Eduardo Cantú, said they had been looking for tourists to earn “a little extra money” but decided to join the march instead.

“I’m American, a Navy veteran, and this is what the United States looks like,” Cantú declared.

“This is my culture, and I’m not going anywhere. If they don’t like it, too bad,” he said firmly.

The protest, filled with symbolism, music, and resistance, ended without incidents and with a clear message: this community will not stay silent.

And you—do you think peaceful protests can influence U.S. immigration policies?

SOURCE: EFE