Anti-ICE, left-wing agitators gathered for an event called “Retake The Alamo.”
Naturally, Texans once again gathered to defend the site.
The agitators took to downtown San Antonio, near the historic fortress, at 7 p.m. on June 11. In response, the San Antonio Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and a volunteer militia gathered to defend The Alamo.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said in her post about the event, “Texas is NOT California!” She praised the joint efforts of multiple agencies that “held the line.”
As Texans, the Alamo is sacred and it is my duty and honor to protect it as your Land Commissioner. I’m proud to say — not one inch was surrendered to the radicals trying to “take back” our Shrine of Texas Liberty last night.
Thank you to @TxDPS, @OfficialAlamo Rangers, and… pic.twitter.com/a2OLuqIQpY
— Dawn Buckingham (@DrBuckinghamTX) June 12, 2025
“DPS proudly stood alongside our partners at the San Antonio Police Department to maintain order and protect state property as demonstrators exercised their First Amendment rights near San Antonio City Hall and the Alamo,” reads a release from DPS.
Activists reportedly published a poster for the event, promoting a “peaceful protest in regards to ICE & immigration flooding the streets.”
“Although we come in peace, please be prepared as ICE is known for using force! Know your rights!” the poster reads. “Lets use our voices for those being silenced. Viva La Raza.”
And yet, clearly, peace was not on everyone’s agenda as signs of ulterior motives were present… literally:
We’re in San Antonio on vacation. Outside the hotel, someone hacked a traffic sign. The @OfficialAlamo has heavy police presence. Civilians with AR-15-style rifles nearby. @TexasGuard standing by on charter buses. I can’t explore more. My wife won’t let me. pic.twitter.com/QOJVtI3JdH
— Tyler Mitchell (@TylerMitchellIN) June 12, 2025
Officials at The Alamo Trust “recognize and respect the rights of individuals to gather and peacefully express their views,” according to a statement to The Dallas Express from Emily Baucum, associate director of public relations for The Alamo Trust. The Alamo closed to the public at 5 p.m. on June 11 “out of an abundance of caution.”
“This step was taken to ensure the safety of all individuals – visitors, demonstrators, and staff alike – while preserving the integrity of the historic site,” the statement reads. “The Alamo stands as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who have stood for freedom throughout history.”
According to the statement, the Alamo Trust is continuing to “coordinate closely with local authorities and law enforcement” and will monitor developments. “We remain committed to ensuring that the Alamo is a safe and respectful place for all who visit.”
DPS is “tracking planned protests” across the state this week. “Our men and women stand ready to enforce the law and assist our law enforcement partners in whatever capacity necessary.”
Gov. Greg Abbott deployed the National Guard across the state earlier this week to maintain law and order, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
Following riots in Los Angeles, anti-ICE rioters turned to violence in cities like Dallas and Austin, The Dallas Express reported. Dallas and Fort Worth police are also preparing for “No Kings Day” mobilizations against President Donald Trump on June 14. These events are set to take place across Texas and across the nation.