Did you read Abbott's letter of yesterday? I'm pretty sure he has taken more into consideration than that imediate and obvious possibility or ruthless retaliation. I'll bet he knows very well that when you challenge the king you must kill him or lose and he will kill you. I also believe Abbott had all the supporting governors and the likes of Cruz et al lined up before he pulled the trigger on the open letter posted yesterday.
These are adult and serious actions, not well suited to posturing, politics or bluff. I can't fathom that Abbott and many others involved do not already know just how ruthless the left can be when cornered or at loss of face. They are dangerous but the danger has already been opened.
I am hoping that, as with most bullies and tyrants, when met with stern and resolved force they will retreat.
I doubt very much that Abbott would have opened this can of worms in ignorance. I'd bet a lot he took a deep breath in signing the letter.
If Federal officers try to arrest Governor Abbott or Attorney General Paxton, will the Texas State Police assigned to protect the state capitol stand in their way? Will the governors who indicated their support of Texas commit their National Guard units to augment the Texas National Guard? It is within President Biden's authority to call the National Guard into Federal service (Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution). If he does so, will the National Guard obey rather than risk courts martial or will they defy Biden's orders? There is a large regular Army presence at Fort Hood/Cavazos and Fort Bliss. If the Texas and other state National Guard units resist Federal takeover, will Biden order the regulars to attack the National Guard units?