A convoy of vehicles carrying Americans opposed to illegal immigration is set to rally at three points near the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on peaceful protest and prayer, according to organizers.
The “Take Our Border Back” convoy, having started its journey from Virginia, aims to draw attention to border security concerns amid the record-high numbers of migrant crossings during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Critics, however, fear it could fuel anti-immigrant sentiment during a politically charged time. The convoy plans events near Eagle Pass, Texas, a hotspot in the state-federal dispute over border security, along with stops in Yuma, Arizona, and San Ysidro, California.
Eagle Pass, the site of a standoff between the White House and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, has witnessed escalated border enforcement actions by the state, including deploying National Guard troops and installing barriers in the Rio Grande. The Biden administration and Texas remain entangled in legal and political disputes over these measures.
The convoy’s promotion and organization have gained traction in right-wing media, featuring endorsements from figures like Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones. Participants have expressed their concerns about border issues in religious and apocalyptic terms.
Despite the convoy’s peaceful intent, concerns persist that it may contribute to anti-migrant sentiments. While some participants might be armed, organizers stress the event’s peaceful nature and anticipate a significant law enforcement presence at the rallies.
Experts, however, worry about the potential repercussions, fearing it may encourage people to take action against migrants or groups assisting them. In 2022, a similar “People’s Convoy” protested COVID-19 restrictions, traveling from California to the outskirts of Washington, D.C.
