A group of far-right demonstrators, traveling in a convoy, are approaching the southern border to protest the ongoing migrant crisis.
A convoy
Begun by radical individuals on the far-right side of the political spectrum.
This weekend, we will be heading to the Texas-Mexico border to demonstrate our support for the Texas government in its efforts.ongoing standoff
Some experts are worried about potential violence due to the growing number of lawsuits against the federal government regarding the migrant crisis.
The “Take our Border Back” convoy began in Virginia Beach, Virginia and initially had a small number of vehicles. However, as it traveled to its final destination in Quemado, Texas, it grew to over 200 vehicles. The convoy departed from Dripping Springs, Texas on Thursday and is headed towards Eagle Pass, which is 20 miles away from the border. The Texas National Guard has taken over a public park in Eagle Pass and is not allowing Border Patrol agents access.
American authorities are monitoring publicly available information regarding the trucker convoy.
SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images
The individuals in charge of the convoy have openly committed to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, stating that they have decided not to physically enter Eagle Pass. Nevertheless, a large gathering on Thursday evening in Dripping Springs, attended by hundreds of people, featured discriminatory language and unfounded claims. Among the speakers were former governor of Alaska Sarah Palin, elected officials from Texas, musician Ted Nugent, pastors with Christian nationalist beliefs, and journalist-turned-conspiracy theorist Lara Logan.
The “great replacement theory” is a unfounded ideology rooted in ethno-nationalism, claiming that there is a deliberate agenda to replace the White population in the United States and other parts of the world.
Pete Chambers, a leader of the convoy, made an appearance on the conspiracy-heavy show InfoWars hosted by Alex Jones last week. During the interview, he shared his intentions for the convoy and expressed a desire to collaborate with law enforcement officials who align with the Constitution. He also mentioned that they are currently in a state similar to the year 1774.
According to Freddy Cruz, a manager at the Western States Center, a group that supports democracy, the rhetoric of white supremacists at the Thursday rally is concerning and could lead to violence against migrants in the future.
2019
Cruz stated that this is a concerning issue as it is based on a belief system, such as the “great replacement” story, which has had devastating effects on American individuals. He mentioned three significant mass shootings in 2019 that were racially motivated.El Paso, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh
Prior to their attacks, the shooters expressed and supported racist beliefs.
The League of United Latin American Citizens has released a warning this week, stating that those involved in the convoy may pose a threat of violence towards immigrant communities and LULAC members.
LULAC National President Domingo Garcia states that a significant number of them possess weapons and hold extremist beliefs, particularly in their use of fear tactics and blaming immigrants and Hispanics.
According to a Customs and Border Protection official, in light of unverified threats, the Border Patrol has relocated migrants from a substantial tent complex near Eagle Pass following the arrival of a convoy. This was done as a precautionary measure.
A representative from CBP informed CBS News on Friday that they are implementing necessary measures to ensure the safety of their employees and individuals in their custody. They will continue to closely collaborate with law enforcement allies and remain watchful.
Cruz cautioned that the rhetoric used by the convoy has stirred discussion among radical groups and militias, considering whether to join or act independently along the southern border.
According to Cruz, there are groups opposed to democracy who are actively organizing near the border, with a specific focus on targeting both migrants and those who are helping them. He also mentioned that everyone is paying close attention to this situation.
Aside from Quemado, the convoy is also holding two other rallies this weekend, one in Yuma, Arizona and another in San Ysidro, California.
must reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed
Last week, the Supreme Court declared that the Biden administration is obligated to restore the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which necessitates that individuals seeking asylum remain in Mexico until their cases are reviewed.
It is possible to eliminate the use of razor wire. which Texas had installed along the border. However, also last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rejected a request
The Department of Homeland Security has granted Border Patrol agents permission to use Shelby Park, a publicly owned park in Eagle Pass that was previously a popular location for unauthorized entry by migrants.
Previous President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have both openly backed Abbott’s confrontation regarding Shelby Park. Last week, Republican Representative Clay Higgins from Louisiana posted on social media that “the federal government is provoking a conflict, and Texas should hold their position.” The post was widely shared among extremist groups.
Camilo Montoya-Galvez, Nicole Sganga, and Ken Molestina all had a part in creating this report.
Source: cbsnews.com