“Patriots” Gather at Texas Rally to “Take Back” America

The “Take Our Border Back” rally held in Dripping Springs, Texas, attracted over 1,000 self-proclaimed “patriots” intent on “taking back” America. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin delivered an impassioned speech to the crowd, proclaiming that the world has its eyes set on Texas right and that the assembled group would “take our country back.”

The rally was organized by a convoy that traveled through nine states over four days, calling themselves “God’s Army.” The group sees the federal government as “sanctioning” an “invasion” of immigrants across the southern border.

Speakers and Organizers of the Rally

The rally featured several prominent conservative speakers and organizers aiming to garner support for increased border security. Former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin was a featured speaker at the event.

In an impassioned speech, Palin proclaimed that “the eyes of the world are on Texas right now. Our federal gov is sanctioning to allow this invasion across our border. We’re going to take our country back.” Her populist message resonated strongly with the crowd of over 1,000 attendees.

Peaceful Gathering

Event organizer Robert Agee opened the rally by reminding attendees to gather “peacefully” and to avoid direct engagement with “individuals who may be coming across that border.” Agee stated that the rally’s goal was to draw attention to the need for enhanced border security, saying, “These federal officials we’ve hired to do the job are not doing what we pay them to.”

Despite Agee’s calls for peace, the rhetoric of some speakers seemed to stoke fears and tensions. Provocative rock singer and gun rights activist Ted Nugent also spoke at the event. Nugent referred to himself as “a radical” and “an extremist” before leading the crowd in the national anthem.

Claims of a “Stolen” Election Echoed at Rally

Ted Nugent also addressed the crowd, calling himself “a radical” and “an extremist” before leading attendees in singing the national anthem. Nugent claimed that “goons have kicked our ass with fake ballots and deceptive tactics,” an apparent reference to the baseless assertion that voter fraud changed the outcome of the 2020 election.

State Rep. Carrie Isaac (R-Wimberley) led rally-goers in a “Build the wall!” chant, reviving a slogan from former President Trump’s 2016 campaign, which promised the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. The chant underscored the perception among some conservatives that border security has deteriorated under the current presidential administration.

Inflammatory Language

The former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, told the enthusiastic crowd, “The eyes of the world are on Texas right now. Our federal gov is sanctioning to allow this invasion across our border. We’re going to take our country back.” Her charged language tapped into fears over immigration and a loss of control.

Likewise, Ted Nugent, a singer and songwriter, labeled himself a “radical” and “extremist” before performing the national anthem. During his remarks, Nugent baselessly claimed, “The goons have kicked our ass with fake ballots and deceptive tactics.” By using exaggerated and unsubstantiated claims about election fraud, Nugent stoked suspicions in the audience.

Demands for Action

Speakers issued calls for direct action to address their concerns despite a lack of evidence to support those demands. For example, Isaac, a Republican state representative, led rally participants in chanting “Build the wall” to express support for restrictive immigration policies.

The chant harked back to promises made during former President Trump’s campaign to construct a border wall, though Congress denied funding for its completion. Agee, the rally organizer, told attendees the purpose of the gathering was to fix “border problems” caused by “bad actors coming across wanting to harm.”

A Show of Force: Guns and Military Gear on Display

The “Take Our Border Back” rally attracted over 1,000 attendees, many openly displaying firearms, tactical gear, and pro-Trump merchandise. According to reports, organizers had instructed participants to leave weapons at home, but many still arrived openly carrying arms.

The prominent display of firearms and military-style equipment underscored the confrontational stance of many rally attendees. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin told the cheering crowd. Her bellicose language matched the militant atmosphere as attendees flew flags proclaiming “Come and Take It” and “Don’t Tread on Me.”

Comparisons to the January 6th Capitol Riot

The “Take Our Border Back” rally held on Thursday in Dripping Springs, Texas, bears a striking resemblance to the events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building. At the Texas rally, approximately 1,000 self-described “patriots” gathered to protest federal control of border security, vowing to “take our country back.”

Former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin addressed the crowd. Palin’s rhetoric mirrored language used by speakers at the January 6th rally preceding the Capitol attack, stoking fears that the federal government was failing to protect national security.

Concerns Over Escalating Extremism and Violence

The “Take Our Border Back” rally and associated convoy have raised concerns over increasing extremism and the potential for violence. While organizers framed the event as a peaceful protest and prayer rally, the inflammatory rhetoric and calls to “take back” the country by some speakers provoked worries of escalating tensions.

Former Governor Sarah Palin told attendees they were going to take the country back, echoing language used by far-right groups. Musician Ted Nugent referred to himself as a “radical” and “extremist” in his address.

Stoking Fear Over Immigration

Other speakers stoked fears over immigration and pushed for increased border security. Ted Nugent, a musician known for inflammatory rhetoric, called himself an “extremist” and led the crowd in singing the national anthem.

Texas state representative Carrie Isaac led chants of “Build the wall!” in reference to former President Trump’s campaign promise to construct a border wall. Tensions have escalated between Texas officials and the federal government over control of a major border crossing area called Shelby Park.

Going Against the Supreme Court

Despite a Supreme Court ruling against them, Texas has installed razor wire and seized control of the border crossing using the state’s National Guard. Federal agents have been largely barred from the 37-acre park.

The rally comes as the Biden administration contends with large numbers of immigrants, including unaccompanied minors, seeking to enter the U.S. from Mexico and Central America. However, illegal border crossings remain far below the peak levels of the early 2000s.