SAN ANTONIO (WOAI) — Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown San Antonio on Wednesday night to voice their opposition to increased ICE operations under the Trump administration.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday he has ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops, along with more than 2,000 state police, to help local law enforcement manage protests against President Donald Trump and the ongoing federal immigration raids.

SAN ANTONIO — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed a contingent of National Guard troops to San Antonio, where the governor's press secretary said the soldiers "are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed."

The protests in Texas followed days of unrest in Los Angeles, where President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops in response to demonstrations.

The mayor and the police chief said the governor did not notify them of the military deployment. They also have no details about the soldiers’ mission. They said the city is prepared to oversee peaceful demonstrations at the Alamo tonight and at Travis Park on Saturday.

Saturday's No Kings protest is expected to draw thousands of people, said Kristi Pham of organizer 50501 Houston, which is calling for the event to remain peaceful, as they have in the past. Organizers also are collecting nonperishable food donations for several local food banks.

As protests continue in the U.S. over immigration enforcement raids, Abbott says he will deploy the state's National Guard as needed.