News Summary
Travis Ryan Hayson was arrested in San Antonio for making racist and terroristic threats against protesters on YouTube. Over a two-week span, he issued alarming comments suggesting potential violence against those opposing ICE. With protests against ICE scheduled, the Texas National Guard has been deployed to maintain order, underscoring concerns about safety during heightened social activism amid ongoing immigration debates.
San Antonio – A 48-year-old man named Travis Ryan Hayson was taken into custody on Saturday for making racist and terroristic threats against protesters on YouTube. Hayson has been charged with a terroristic threat and was booked into the Bexar County jail in response to his alarming comments aimed at participants of recent protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Hayson made multiple threats over a two-week period, during which he referred to potential mass violence against individuals involved in protests, primarily taking place in California. His online comments included statements such as “Texas just got a new hunting season” and “Bring on the race war!!!” These remarks utilized racial slurs and exhibited aggressive intentions towards the protesting individuals.
The police report reveals that Hayson made 17 threatening comments between May 30 and June 11 that indicated plans for violence against the general public. In addition, tech companies Google and YouTube played a critical role in this case, as they reported Hayson’s alarming comments to the FBI and facilitated the necessary information transfer to local law enforcement.
In light of the planned protests opposing ICE activities, the Texas National Guard has been stationed in San Antonio to maintain order. Governor Greg Abbott announced this deployment, asserting that National Guard soldiers are “on standby” across Texas to ensure peace during the demonstrations. The Governor underscored the legality of peaceful protests, while also cautioning that any incidents of violence or property damage would result in arrests.
In preparation for the upcoming events, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and city officials have arranged a press conference to outline city strategies for ensuring public safety. Protests against ICE raids are slated to occur downtown on Wednesday, followed by a second protest on Saturday at Travis Park, organized by various community groups as part of the “No Kings” event.
Governor Abbott’s decision to deploy the National Guard follows a request for assistance from San Antonio law enforcement, distinguishing it from the situation in California, where similar deployments were perceived as provocations against protesters. The Texas National Guard, composed of 22,000 soldiers and airmen, is among the largest state military forces in the U.S., with the Governor serving as its commander, unless the troops are federally mobilized.
The community’s response to Hayson’s actions, coupled with the anticipated protests, highlights an escalating concern regarding safety and law enforcement during a time of heightened social activism. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that peaceful protests can occur without disruption or violence.
The events surrounding this case underscore the ongoing debate about immigration policies and law enforcement in the U.S., as well as the growing tension in discussions about race and protest strategies. As preparations continue for the planned demonstrations, the impact of Hayson’s threats serves as a reminder of the potential for violence in politically charged environments.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Express News: Travis Hayson Protest
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- The Guardian: Texas Protests
- Google Search: San Antonio Protests 2025
- KSAT: San Antonio Man Arrested
- Google Scholar: Terroristic Threats Protests
- San Antonio Current: No War With Iran Protest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard Texas
- News 4 San Antonio: San Antonio Man Charged
- Google News: San Antonio National Guard Deployment
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
