Far-Right “God’s Army” Rally at Texas Border Raises Alarms

Last weekend, a far-right convoy that calls itself “God’s Army” rallied in three Texas border towns, drawing renewed scrutiny to rising tensions over immigration policy. The 100-vehicle caravan brought together an assortment of figures espousing unproven claims and conspiracy theories while using inflammatory rhetoric to portray migrants seeking asylum as invaders.

Experts have expressed alarm over the extremist language and ideology on display, underscoring concerns about the potential for violence. Over three days, the self-proclaimed “God’s Army” stopped in Quemado, Brackettville, and Eagle Pass, where speakers from the political fringe addressed crowds numbering in the hundreds.

Far-Right “God’s Army” Forms at Texas Border

A far-right convoy referring to itself as “God’s army” rallied near the southern border of Texas last weekend to protest what they called an “invasion” of migrants. The convoy formed amid escalating tensions between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the federal government over immigration policy in Eagle Pass, Texas.

The convoy, led by organizers known for promoting election misinformation, QAnon conspiracy theories, and anti-vaccine propaganda, claimed that Texas is on the “frontlines of this battle for freedom and state’s rights.” Republican congressman Keith Self addressed attendees at a rally in Quemado, stating that Texas has a “constitutional right to close the border if the federal government will not,” according to reports.

An Attraction for Radical Far-Right Groups

The convoy passing through Eagle Pass attracted a range of far-right groups, including Christian nationalists, supporters of former President Donald Trump, attendees of the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, believers in the QAnon conspiracy theory, and militia groups. Participants expressed anti-government conspiracy theories and dehumanizing rhetoric about migrants.

Mark McCloskey, known for brandishing firearms at Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020, claimed the government and drug cartels were conspiring in child trafficking. “These people are evil, they are pedophiles, they’re monsters, they run our government, they hate us, they think they know better than us,” McCloskey said. He called the “forces” seeking to destroy the “republic” the “genuine forces of evil” who hate “freedom.”

Convoy Led by Election Deniers and Conspiracy Theorists

The convoy traveled through three border cities in Texas, including Eagle Pass. According to reports, the rallies attracted a range of extremists, including Christian nationalists, supporters of former President Trump, attendees of the January 6 Capitol riot, believers in the QAnon conspiracy theory, and members of militia groups.

Mark McCloskey, who received national attention in 2020 for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters in St. Louis, addressed the crowd. He promoted the unfounded conspiracy theory that the government and drug cartels are involved in child trafficking. “These people are evil, they are pedophiles, they’re monsters, they run our government, they hate us, they think they know better than us,” McCloskey said.

Speakers Espouse Anti-Government and Dehumanizing Rhetoric

The convoy attracted speakers promoting anti-government conspiracy theories and using dehumanizing language to describe migrants. Dehumanizing rhetoric, like “comparing people to animals and trash,” are extremist tactics to make groups seem less human so they can be harmed, said University of Michigan professor Libby Hemphill.

The speakers aimed to make migrants appear threatening to justify restrictive policies. The event promoted baseless theories, like QAnon and election fraud claims. Speakers demonized political opponents and stoked fears of tyranny and moral decay to rally support.

Rallying Against Migrant “Invasion” Amid Abbott-Biden Tensions

Texas congressman Keith Self addressed supporters in Quemado, claiming, “Texas is on the frontlines of this battle for freedom and state’s rights for their constitutional right to close the border if the federal government will not.”

Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe, who called border crossings by asylum-seekers a “flat-out invasion,” also spoke. “There’s a reason why they make fun of calling yourselves God’s Army because it’s God’s Army being called to tell the truth. That means that your loyalty is to God. It’s to the Constitution.”

Prominent Figures Stoke Fears of Child Trafficking

McCloskey alleged a conspiracy involving government officials and drug cartels in child trafficking. “These people are evil, they are pedophiles, they’re monsters, they run our government, they hate us, they think they know better than us,” McCloskey proclaimed to the crowd.

Promoting baseless conspiracy theories and dehumanizing rhetoric, especially those targeting marginalized groups, is extremely dangerous and irresponsible. Public figures like McCloskey and Coe, who hold positions of power and influence, should be held accountable for spreading misinformation and stoking fear and paranoia.

Experts Warn of Extremist Tactics to Justify Harm

The recent “God’s Army” rally at the Texas border employed extremist tactics to dehumanize migrants and stoke fear, according to experts. The convoy promoted baseless conspiracy theories and referred to asylum-seekers as “invaders.”

Their inflammatory rhetoric and false claims justify harmful policies and actions against vulnerable groups. Speakers at the rally referred to migrants in dehumanizing terms, comparing them to “animals” and “trash.” The goal of such speech is to justify hurting those groups.

Promotion of Conspiracy Theories

Mark McCloskey, who gained notoriety for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters, spread absurd conspiracy theories at the rally. He alleged that the government and cartels are involved in child trafficking. McCloskey also claimed that “evil” forces aim to establish a “single-world socialist government” and destroy freedom.

Sheriff Brad Coe framed the issue as a battle between Christians and the government. He said Christians must “speak the truth” and that their loyalty is to God and the Constitution, not the government. His comments promote an “us versus them” mentality that casts the government as an enemy of Christian values and freedom.

Christian Nationalist and Militia Groups Join Convoy

Christian nationalists view the United States as a Christian nation and believe Christianity should have a privileged position in American law and society. Mark McCloskey, who gained notoriety for pointing firearms at Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020, addressed the crowd and spread misinformation alleging a conspiracy involving the government and cartels in child trafficking.

Sheriff Brad Coe, who previously characterized border crossings by migrants as “a flat-out invasion,” also addressed the crowd. “As Christians, we’re called to speak the truth, and that’s something that, if you’re trying to control people, is very dangerous to those in power,” Coe said.

Human Dignity Must Come First

The “God’s Army” convoy that rallied at the Texas border espoused rhetoric that dehumanized migrants and spread misinformation. While they characterized the situation as an “invasion,” the broader context shows asylum seekers fleeing violence and instability. Reasonable discourse is needed on this complex issue.

Solutions should uphold human dignity while addressing legitimate border security concerns. Progress requires recognizing the humanity in all people, not extremist conspiracy theories or demagoguery.