QUEMADO, Texas — A convoy rallying to secure the border is traveling near Eagle Pass. The group held a rally just north of San Antonio, in Dripping Springs on Thursday.
The group said they are peacefully protesting but law enforcement at the border are taking precautions.
During the rally in Dripping Springs, there were no signs of violence. The group started the convey in northern Virginia, called ‘Take our Border Back’.
They have been growing as they travel across the United States. Their next stop will be in Quemado, Texas.
Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber said he has met with federal, state and local agencies this week ahead of the rally Saturday.
“We’re ready, we’re alert and if there’s violence, we’ll have to do something,” Schmerber said.
He said right now, there are no credible threats. However, the national vice president of the League of United Latin American Citizens worries this group will promote hateful rhetoric against migrants.
“They want to help Texas, we don’t need any help,” Ray Mancera said. “What they need to do, is just make sure they work with legislatures to make sure we get approved this border security bill, that’s the way to do it, it’s called a vote.”
Rosa Flores lives in Quemado. She said people in the rural town she has spoken to are okay with the protestors traveling there but wants them to remain peaceful.
“We would not like to see any type of violence,” Flores said.
She said border reform is needed. She expressed concerns over how the immigration system has evolved over the years. She said she wants to see both state and federal agencies work together.
“We are all in hopes that there will be some changes very soon to where are borders are secured,” Flores said.
On Sunday, Governor Greg Abbott plans to visit Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, along with 14 other governors. That is the park where border patrol was holding and processing migrants before the Texas National Guard took over.