Pillen activates Nebraska National Guard in advance of planned protests

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday announced an emergency proclamation to allow him to activate the National Guard.

Pillen said in a news release that he is deploying the guard as well as additional state law enforcement in advance of planned protests across the U.S., including in Nebraska.

Among the protests the "No Kings" rallies in Lincoln and Omaha, which are protests against what organizers call the "excesses and corruption" of the Trump administration. There also are protests planned in response to the immigration raid that occurred Tuesday in Omaha. The protests come on the same day President Donald Trump is holding a military parade in Washington to mark the Army's 250th anniversary, which coincides with Trump's birthday.

Under the governor’s declared state of emergency, members of the Guard may be activated to assist local law enforcement should any demonstrations escalate, threatening people or property.  Nebraska National Guard members and Nebraska State troopers will be prepared to assist in any civil disturbance, and in particular, to secure the College World Series in Omaha.

Under normal conditions, National Guard activation can take 12 to 24 hours. This proclamation shortens that time to ensure troop resources are available and standing by, as needed.

“Free speech will be respected and protected in Nebraska, but the lawlessness, chaos, and rioting seen in other cities in past weeks will not be tolerated here,” Pillen said in a statement. “I have taken the necessary steps to ensure we have the state resources necessary to promptly respond to disorder. Any person who poses a threat to life, health, or property will be arrested. Nebraskans across the state, as well as the thousands of visitors to Omaha for the College World Series, can rest assured that the State of Nebraska and our local partners have taken the appropriate steps to ensure security and order.”

Nebraska joins other states, including Texas and Missouri, where governors have deployed the National Guard in advance of planned protests.

President Trump federalized California's National Guard and sent several hundred Marines to Los Angeles because of protests and unrest there. California sued Trump seeking to rescind the order. A judge initially ruled in the state's favor, but an appeals court stayed that ruling.

Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of ACLU of Nebraska, called Pillen's decision, "grossly irresponsible and entirely at odds with his claim that he wants to respect free speech."

"There is no doubt it sends a chilling message to Nebraskans who plan to peacefully raise their voices this weekend. The right for people to come together in protest is core to our constitution and democracy. We have every expectation that Nebraskans will not let the governor’s fearmongering or provocations stop them from peacefully speaking out in defense of our communities and our rights," Rush Chipman said in a statement.

"To those protesting this weekend, remember that we can best support our communities when we know our rights, prioritize deescalation and look out for each other — that is especially true in the face of inflammatory actions like this.”