This weekend, a convoy initiated by far-right extremists is making its way to the Texas-Mexico border to express solidarity with the Texas government in its ongoing dispute with the federal government over the migrant crisis.
The “Take our Border Back” convoy, initially comprising a few dozen vehicles, swelled to over 200 as it departed from Dripping Springs, Texas, heading for its final destination in Quemado, Texas, near the border town of Eagle Pass.
While the organizers publicly committed to maintaining a peaceful demonstration and decided not to enter Eagle Pass, concerns about potential violence have been raised.
Armed Convoy (WIRED)
The convoy’s progress is being monitored by U.S. officials through open-source intelligence. Notably, the Texas National Guard has assumed control of a public park near Eagle Pass, denying access to Border Patrol agents.
Various extremist groups, including Proud Boys members, neo-Nazi organizations, and militias, are reportedly involved in the convoy.
Speakers at a rally in Dripping Springs, which included former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, musician Ted Nugent, and reporter Lara Logan, expressed xenophobic sentiments and conspiracy theories. Sarah Palin criticized the federal government’s handling of the migrant crisis, describing it as an “invasion” and “treasonous.”
The convoy organizer, Pete Chambers, appeared on Alex Jones’ InfoWars, outlining plans for the convoy and expressing a desire to collaborate with constitutionally sound law enforcement.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for violence against migrants, given the white supremacist rhetoric during the rally and the convoy’s association with extremist ideologies.
Freddy Cruz from the Western States Center expressed alarm about the convoy’s adherence to the “great replacement theory,” a baseless belief in an intentional effort to replace the White population in the U.S. and globally.
This theory has been linked to racially motivated mass shootings in the past. The League of United Latin American Citizens issued an alert, warning of potential violence against immigrant communities by convoy participants.
Border Patrol has relocated migrants from a holding facility near Eagle Pass as a precaution due to uncorroborated threats related to the convoy.
The rhetoric of the convoy has also led to discussions among extremist groups and militias about potential actions along the southern border, prompting concerns about targeting migrants and humanitarian workers.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling allowing the Biden administration to remove razor wire along the border, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rejected a DHS request to grant Border Patrol access to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass.
Former President Donald Trump and several Republican figures have publicly supported Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s stance in this ongoing dispute with the federal government. Republican Rep. Clay Higgins suggested on social media that “the feds are staging a civil war,” receiving widespread attention in extremist communities.
