- Supporters of a far-right convoy, proclaiming to “Take Our Border Back,” are heading towards the U.S.-Mexico border, sparking concerns with their violent rhetoric.
- Organizers insist on peaceful assembly and prayer, despite the convoy attracting attention on white nationalist and gun forums, with some supporters voicing calls for civil war.
- The convoy, which has been promoted by right-wing media and personalities, faces skepticism and fears of government entrapment among potential participants, reminiscent of the distrust following the January 6 Capitol attack.
As a self-described convoy of patriots makes its way towards the U.S. border with Mexico, the event, dubbed “Take Our Border Back,” is generating a mix of anticipation, skepticism, and alarm. Organized under the banners of “We the People” and “God’s Army,” the convoy calls upon a diverse group of Americans, from veterans to truckers and business owners, to assemble peacefully at designated locations in Texas, Arizona, and California. Despite the organizers’ emphasis on nonviolence, the gathering has attracted attention on platforms known for white nationalist and gun discussions, with some supporters airing violent sentiments and calls for a civil war.
The convoy’s organizers have touted significant participation numbers, claiming an expected turnout of 700,000, though actual attendance appears considerably smaller in early footage. The discrepancy between expectations and reality raises questions about the event’s organization and the feasibility of its goals. Scot Saks, a leader within the movement, has expressed uncertainty about the convoy’s size but remains hopeful for a substantial grassroots showing, emphasizing the event’s peaceful intentions despite inflammatory online discourse.
The situation is further complicated by widespread suspicion among potential supporters, many of whom fear government entrapment akin to conspiracy theories surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. This atmosphere of distrust is exacerbated by the promotion of the convoy by figures like Tucker Carlson, who has questioned the absence of Texas men in border protection efforts, and the involvement of Dr. Pete Chambers, known for his opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and promotion of various conspiracy theories.
Chambers’s militia group, “The Remnant A-Team,” has patrolled the southern border with support from conservative election-denial groups, blurring the lines between activism, vigilantism, and conspiracy-fueled mobilization. The group’s explicit call to arms and readiness for a “final battle” underscores the volatile mix of patriotism, misinformation, and the potential for conflict inherent in the convoy’s approach to border issues.
As the convoy progresses towards its destination, the organizers’ ability to maintain a peaceful assembly amidst a backdrop of extremist rhetoric and conspiracy theories will be a critical test. The event highlights the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. in addressing border security, immigration policy, and the deep political and ideological divides that fuel such movements. With the shadow of January 6 looming large, the “Take Our Border Back” convoy serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with mobilizing around highly contentious issues in a polarized national landscape.