- A group identifying as “God’s army” is mobilizing a convoy to the Texas border to block migrants from entering the United States from Mexico.
- Organized via Telegram with over 1,600 followers, the convoy’s leadership invokes religious rhetoric, framing their mission as a divine directive against perceived encroachments.
- The group’s tactical approach is described by organizer Pete Chambers, a claimed Green Beret, as “domestic internal defense,” likening their strategy to military operations against ISIS in Syria.
A newly formed convoy, self-dubbed “Take Our Border Back,” is setting its sights on the U.S. southern border with a mission to halt migrant crossings from Mexico. This mobilization, which is gaining traction on social media platforms like Telegram, sees its organizers employing a mix of militaristic and religious language to galvanize support. Framing their endeavor as a crusade orchestrated by divine will, the group’s leaders are casting themselves as warriors in a spiritual battle against forces they deem malevolent.
Pete Chambers, among the convoy’s forefront organizers, characterizes their operation as akin to the unconventional warfare tactics of Green Berets, suggesting a methodical approach to “domestic internal defense.” This militaristic posture is bolstered by Chambers’s dialogue with right-wing figures such as Alex Jones, where he outlines a strategy of identifying and neutralizing targets in a manner reminiscent of anti-ISIS campaigns in the Middle East.
The convoy’s stated intention is to commence its journey in Virginia Beach, culminating in rallies across key border locations in California, Arizona, and Texas. Despite assurances of peaceful assembly and respect for the First Amendment, the group’s messaging and tactical discussions have raised concerns about the potential for confrontation at the border.
Amidst this backdrop of escalating rhetoric, the group has faced scrutiny over its aims and methods, particularly in light of recent tensions between Texas National Guard troops and the federal government over border control measures. As the convoy prepares to “hold the line” in proximity to these standoffs, the initiative has received backing from political figures such as Republican Rep. Keith Self of Texas.
This unfolding scenario underscores the charged atmosphere surrounding immigration policy in the U.S., a topic poised to play a significant role in the forthcoming presidential election. With migrant crossings reportedly at record levels, the convoy’s border mission reflects broader national debates over border security and the management of immigration.