Border militia Facebook groups in Texas are spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about migrants online. These groups use inflammatory language that promote violence against migrants, according to new research.
earlier this month, asking leaders at the Justice Department, Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to respond to inquiries about how they’re handling border militia groups like Veterans on Patrol and Patriots for America.
Several members of the Texas Border Patriots group appear to be based in Houston, according to Facebook posts from the last two years. One poster complained about a mariachi band playing music in a local Walmart and about receiving poor customer service, saying “I don’t recognize my country anymore” and citing a “border invasion.”at an El Paso Walmart used rhetoric about a"Hispanic Invasion." He also faces prosecution for a hate crime.
While Migration Policy Institute researcher Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan said these false narratives are dangerous when presented by extremist, violent groups. They reflect very real and commonplace anxieties of communities that feel threatened – in this case, perhaps by shifting demographics or disorder at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“This kind of fear-mongering around the potentially threatening other is a tool that is used in all parts of every country’s history,” Banulescu-Bogdan said. She added that extremists will use simple, visceral and emotional language to exploit people with anxieties to promote conspiracy theories and spread false narratives about migrants.like Facebook can shut down some of the most dangerous conversations around migrants, she said, but added that it's also essential for broader society to understand why these groups exist and why anti-immigrant rhetoric resonates with them.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Film tragedy sparks bill for firearm safety on Texas film and TV setsRep. Sheryl Cole has filed House Bill 1471, which would require any film or television project that accepts state incentive funds to require anyone handing a gun to complete the state’s Hunter Education course.
Read more »
4.2 Million Migrants Apprehended Along Southwest Border Under Biden AdminThe apprehension of 221,181 migrants by Border Patrol agents during the month of December brought the FY23 Q1 total to 633,451.
Read more »
Biden Admin Reports Record 250K Migrant Encounters Along Southwest Border in DecemberThe Biden Administration announced another record-setting month for migrant encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Read more »
Pompeo blasts Biden for border crisis, slams fentanyl smugglingFormer Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday blasted President Biden for the immigration crisis, saying it’s clear the White House has no intention of closing the border.
Read more »