Western States Center Responds to Multiple “Take Our Border Back Convoy” Rallies

The so-called “Take Our Border Back Convoy” concluded with multiple anti-immigrant rallies in Arizona, California, and Texas.  

In response to the rallies, Stephen Piggott, Momentum Program Director at Western States Center, a Portland-based civil rights group that monitors anti-democracy movements nationwide, issued the following statement: 

The rallies in Texas, Arizona and California marked the end of a week where anti-immigrant bigotry in the United States reached a fever pitch. The rallies took place at a time when elected officials and right-wing media continue to echo white nationalist conspiracy theories about the intentional replacement of white America. The events are a clear example of how anti-immigrant bigotry can translate to mobilizations and are a warning sign in an election year where many will rely on nativist animus for attempted political gain.  

The rallies themselves were attended by elected officials, white nationalists and armed vigilantes alike, and were reminiscent of MAGA rallies of the past. The rhetoric espoused at yesterday’s events blended anti-immigrant bigotry with a slew of conspiracy theories. 

While the situation in the cities where rallies took place remains fluid and the potential for violence still exists, we must commend the actions of local community leaders who stood up when faced with an influx of armed, hostile anti-democracy agitators. The scenes at these rallies represent a snapshot of what anti-democracy forces want America to look like; and we must continue to push back against that vision.