On Wednesday’s episode of The Briefing on MSNBC, host Jen Psaki framed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s response to the ongoing anti-ICE protests as a sharp contrast to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s. Psaki praised Newsom for avoiding what she described as the “militarization” of public dissent, while taking aim at Abbott’s decision to deploy the National Guard to manage protests across Texas.
Psaki showcased scenes from San Antonio, where demonstrators had gathered in opposition to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. She described the protests as “peaceful,” emphasizing signs, music, and chanting. “It looked very peaceful,” she remarked, implying that Abbott’s military response was heavy-handed and unnecessary.
Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) echoed that characterization, asserting that demonstrations in San Antonio have remained calm. Psaki then expanded on the political contrast:
“Gov. Newsom is trying to protect the people in his state. He just doesn’t want it to be militarized… That’s sort of the opposite of the governor of Texas.”
Psaki’s commentary aligns with a broader Democratic narrative that seeks to paint Republican-led states as authoritarian while casting Democratic governors as defenders of civil liberties.
Yet her framing omits the escalating violence seen in Los Angeles, where anti-ICE protests turned into riots involving arson, looting, and assaults on police, prompting federal deployment of the California National Guard and Marines, reportedly over Newsom’s objections.
While Psaki holds up California’s posture as non-militaristic, the reality on the ground tells a different story — one where Newsom’s resistance to intervention may have delayed response times as violence spiraled.
Governor Abbott, meanwhile, has opted to preemptively deploy forces, citing concerns about the spread of unrest. With reports of violent tactics used in other cities — including Molotov cocktails and armed individuals arrested at protests — Abbott’s administration has argued that readiness is essential to avoid the chaos seen elsewhere.
Critics argue that calling up the National Guard for peaceful protests sends a chilling message. Supporters, however, say it is a rational and necessary precaution, especially in light of how quickly demonstrations can turn violent — a pattern seen repeatedly in major U.S. cities.
