'God's Army' protest convoy headed for Southern border

Summary

As tensions rise between Texas and the federal government over the influx of migrants at the southern border, a group called 'God's Army' plans to hold a peaceful rally they have dubbed the 'Take Our Border Back' convoy. The group aims to bring attention to the dangers of open borders and support Texas Governor Abbott's efforts to secure the border. Former Border Patrol agent and current Texas sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland expresses confidence that law enforcement professionals are trained to handle these situations safely, but also stresses the need to secure the border first before any immigration reform can happen.

Takeaways

• 😟 Tensions are escalating between Texas and the federal government over handling the influx of migrants at the southern border
• 😠 A group called 'God's Army' plans a peaceful rally to 'take back' the border, saying the American people 'have had enough'
• 👮‍♂️ The group wants to shed light on the 'dangers' of open borders and plans to split up for rallies in Eagle Pass, TX, Yuma, AZ and San Diego, CA on February 3rd
• 😡 Texas governor Abbott is feuding with the Biden administration over border enforcement measures after the Supreme Court favored federal power to remove razor wire Abbott installed
• 👷 Former president Trump and 25 Republican governors voice support for Abbott's efforts to secure the border
• 😟 Sheriff says crossings have gotten worse under Biden, with 30 migrant deaths in his county in the last 3 years compared to typically 1 per year historically
• 🤔 Sheriff acknowledges need for immigration reform to bring in workforce legally, but says border must be secured first
• 😨 Sheriff warns that open border policies are leading to deaths he considers inhumane
• 👮‍♂️ Sheriff expects upcoming border rallies to be safe because law enforcement professionals are trained to de-escalate tensions
• 😥 Overall the border situation has been an unresolved issue for decades despite periodic rallies and interest from varying political groups

Q & A

What is the 'take our border back' convoy planned by the group of self-proclaimed Patriots?

It is a planned peaceful rally by a group calling themselves 'God's Army' in protest of the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. They are calling on law enforcement, military veterans, elected officials and other Americans to join their cause.

What support has the border protection efforts in Texas received?

Republican Congressman Keith South of Texas said he supports the 'take our border back' group. Republican governors from 25 states have also offered support to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to secure the border.

What measures did former President Trump take regarding border security?

Trump negotiated deals with Mexico, instituted the Remain in Mexico policy that required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico, and built new walls/fences along stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border.

How does Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland view immigration reform proposals before the border is secured?

Sheriff Cleveland says any immigration reform must come after first securing the border, otherwise it will not work and will just incentivize more illegal immigration before limits are put in place.

What dangers or issues has Sheriff Cleveland seen happening at the border recently?

He cites 30 migrant deaths in his county in the last 3 years compared to typically only 1 per year historically. He feels the lack of policy by the Biden administration has led to more dangerous and inhumane conditions at the border currently.

What prior experience exists in handling rallies or demonstrations at the border?

Sheriff Cleveland cites experience dealing with groups on both sides of the issue going back to the 1990s and 2000s. He expresses confidence that law enforcement is trained and prepared to keep things safe and prevent escalation.

What did former President Trump propose governors should do to help Texas?

Trump called for Republican governors to go beyond just statements of support and actually send their states' National Guard troops to Texas to reinforce and support Governor Abbott's border security initiatives.

What tensions exist between Texas and the federal government on immigration issues?

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Biden Administration disagree over border enforcement measures and authority. Abbott installed razor wire at the border, which the federal government successfully sued to remove.

What risks or downsides exist with the planned border rally?

While law enforcement expects a peaceful rally, there is always a risk that armed protesters with anti-immigrant rhetoric could lead to dangerous escalations or violent incidents occurring.

What perspective does Sheriff Cleveland provide as both a former Border Patrol agent and a local sheriff?

His decades of firsthand border security experience give valuable insight. He understands the need to balance security, humanity and immigrant workforce demands.