A group of far-right extremists has initiated a convoy heading towards the Texas-Mexico border this weekend, aiming to express solidarity with the Texas government amidst its ongoing dispute with the federal government regarding the migrant crisis.
This has raised concerns among experts about the potential for violence.
Although the “Take our Border Back” convoy commenced its journey from Virginia Beach, Virginia, earlier this week with only a few dozen vehicles, the number swelled to over 200 by Thursday as it left Dripping Springs, Texas, for its final destination in Quemado, Texas—located 20 miles from the border town of Eagle Pass.
In Eagle Pass, the Texas National Guard has assumed control of a public park and denied access to Border Patrol agents.
U.S. officials are monitoring open-source intelligence related to the trucker convoy. The organizers have publicly declared their intention to maintain peace and have decided not to enter Eagle Pass.
However, a rally held on Thursday evening in Dripping Springs, attended by hundreds, featured xenophobic language and conspiratorial statements.
Speakers included former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, elected Texas officials, musician Ted Nugent, Christian nationalist pastors, and reporter-turned-conspiracy theorist Lara Logan.
Researchers indicate the involvement of Proud Boys members, neo-Nazi groups, and militias in the convoy.
“The eyes of the world are on Texas right now,” Palin stated. “Now, more than ever, it’s required of us to stand up and fight for what’s right, because it’s unconscionable, it’s treasonous, what our own federal government is doing to us in actually sanctioning an invasion, a foreign invasion, of our country.”
A different speaker, Michael Yon, who frequently appears on the podcast “War Room” hosted by former Trump chief White House strategist Steve Bannon, reiterated the ideas of the “great replacement theory,” an unfounded ethno-nationalist notion that there is a deliberate attempt to displace the White population in the United States and other countries.
Pete Chambers, one of the organizers of the convoy, promoted his intentions for the convoy during an appearance on Alex Jones’ conspiracy-heavy InfoWars show last week. He stated to Jones that “we’re at 1774 right now” and that his goal is to “pair up with law enforcement who are constitutionally sound.”
The white nationalist language espoused by convoy participants and rally speakers on Thursday raises concerns about the potential for future violence against migrants, according to Freddy Cruz, manager for monitoring and training at the Western States Center, a pro-democracy advocacy group.
This Monday, the League of United Latin American Citizens released a warning alleging that participation in the convoy may become violent against members of immigrant communities.
Domingo Garcia, National President of LULAC, stated, “We know that many of them are armed.” “And many of them have extremist views, especially in terms of the fear-mongering and scapegoating of immigrants and Hispanics.”
Due to unverified threats, Border Patrol relocated migrants from a sizable tent holding facility close to Eagle Pass in reaction to the convoy’s arrival, a Customs and Border Protection officer told CBS News.
In a statement released on Friday, a CBP representative informed CBS News that the agency was “taking appropriate and necessary actions to keep our employees and migrants in our custody safe.” We’ll continue to be watchful and collaborate closely with our law enforcement allies.”
Cruz cautioned that the convoy’s rhetoric has also caused extreme organizations and militias to discuss whether to join it or conduct separate action along the southern border.
This weekend, the convoy is hosting two further demonstrations in addition to Quemado: one in Yuma, Arizona, and another in San Ysidro, California.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court decided that Texas’s border-installed razor wire could be taken down by the Biden administration.
However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton turned down a request last week from the Department of Homeland Security to permit Border Patrol agents access to Shelby Park, an Eagle Pass public park owned by the city that was previously a hub for unauthorized migrant crossings.
Both House Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump have openly backed Abbott’s stalemate over Shelby Park. Last Monday, Louisiana Republican Representative Clay Higgins posted on social media, saying, “Texas should stand their ground, as the feds are staging a civil war.”
