- “Take our Border Back” convoy organized by far-right extremists heading to Texas-Mexico border to show support for state government in migrant crisis conflict with federal government.
- Concerns raised about potential violence due to presence of Proud Boys members, neo-Nazi groups, and militias in convoy.
- Convoy’s rhetoric and extremist views have prompted warnings from organizations like LULAC and precautionary measures by Border Patrol.
Additional Coverage:
A convoy organized by far-right extremists is headed to the Texas-Mexico border to show support for the Texas government in its ongoing conflict with the federal government over the migrant crisis. The convoy, called “Take our Border Back,” started with just a few dozen vehicles but has since grown to over 200 vehicles. It will make its final stop in Quemado, Texas, near the border town of Eagle Pass. The organizers claim that the convoy will remain peaceful, but concerns have been raised about potential violence due to the presence of Proud Boys members, neo-Nazi groups, and militias.
The convoy’s organizers have emphasized that they will not actually enter Eagle Pass, but a rally held in Dripping Springs, Texas, included xenophobic language and conspiratorial statements. Speakers at the rally included Sarah Palin, Ted Nugent, and Christian nationalist pastors. Some of the speakers echoed the baseless belief in the “great replacement theory,” which claims that there is an intentional effort to replace the White population in the US.
Concerns have been raised about the possibility of violence against migrants, as some convoy members and speakers have made white supremacist remarks. Freddy Cruz, a manager at the pro-democracy advocacy group Western States Center, highlighted the dangerous consequences of such rhetoric, pointing to racially-motivated mass shootings that were preceded by racist ideologies.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has issued an alert, warning that convoy participants may become violent towards immigrant communities. Domingo Garcia, the national president of LULAC, noted that many of the convoy members are armed and have extremist views.
In response to the convoy’s arrival, Border Patrol has relocated migrants from a holding facility near Eagle Pass as a precautionary measure. There has been uncorroborated information about potential threats. The convoy’s rhetoric has also garnered attention from extremist groups and militias, leading to discussions about whether they will join the convoy or take independent action along the southern border.
The convoy will also host rallies in Yuma, Arizona, and San Ysidro, California. The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Biden administration can remove razor wire installed by Texas along the border. However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rejected a request from the Department of Homeland Security to give Border Patrol access to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. Former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have expressed support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s stance over Shelby Park, and their statements have resonated with extremist communities.