What Is The TOBB Convoy? What Are The Anti-Immigration Movement Doing?

Daniel Figaro
Feb 01, 2024
Feb 05, 2024

If you have been following the news lately, you might have heard about a group of protesters who are driving across the country to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. They call themselves Take Our Border Back (TOBB) and they claim to be "God's army" against illegal immigration. But what is the TOBB convoy, what do they want, and how are they received by the public? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more.

Key takeaways:

The TOBB convoy is a nationwide protest against illegal immigration, aiming to support strict border control and honor U.S. foundational principles, culminating in rallies across key border cities.
Led by Marine Corps veteran Craig Hudgins, TOBB advocates for preserving Christian values and the rule of law in response to perceived governmental inaction on the border crisis.
Uniting a diverse coalition, including veterans, law enforcement, and patriots, TOBB's campaign reflects a broader national debate on immigration, sovereignty, and faith's role in America.

What Is The TOBB Convoy? Explaining The Anti-Immigrant Movement

The TOBB convoy is a cross-country protest that started in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 29, 2024, and is scheduled to end on February 3, 2024, with separate rallies in Eagle Pass, Texas; Yuma, Arizona; and San Ysidro, California. These are some of the hot spots for unlawful immigration along the southern border, where thousands of migrants from Central America and other countries have been crossing over in recent months.

The organizers of the convoy say they want to peacefully assemble in honor of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and to stand up against "globalists" who they believe are conspiring to keep the border open and allow illegal immigrants to flood the country. The movement also extends its support to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and his robust border enforcement initiative, Operation Lone Star. This $11 billion strategy is aimed at fortifying the border through the deployment of National Guard troops, state troopers, and physical barriers. "We stand in solidarity with Governor Abbott's efforts to secure our border and protect the sovereignty of our state and nation," a spokesperson for the convoy remarked, highlighting the group's alignment with state-led border security measures.

Anti-Immigrant Movement TOBB Convoy: Tobb Convoy explained

Open to a broad spectrum of participants, including active and retired law enforcement and military personnel, veterans, "Mama Bears," ranchers, truckers, bikers, and individuals who align with their cause, the convoy seeks to unite a diverse group of supporters. The convoy has also attracted some controversial and far-right figures, such as January 6 defendants, QAnon influencers, Christian nationalists, and former President Donald Trump supporters.

"This is about bringing together Americans from all walks of life who share a common concern for the future of our country," explained another organizer, addressing the diverse makeup of the convoy's supporters.

What Is The Take Our Border Back Group?

The Take Our Border Back (TOBB) group, under the leadership of Craig Hudgins, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran from Virginia Beach, has emerged as an outspoken supporter for strict border rules. Hudgins, who also played a key part in organizing the First Landing 1607 event in April 2023—a gathering aimed at recommitting to the nation's commitment to Christian values at Cape Henry—draws inspiration from a strong sense of responsibility and personal mission. This event marked a symbolic re-dedication to the principles believed to have guided the first English settlers in North America.

Reflecting on the inception of TOBB, Hudgins shared, "I felt a divine push to act upon the border crisis after seeing the government's weak response. It's about protecting our country's values, following the law, and preserving the Christian principles that I believe are core to who we are as a country."

Take Our Border Back members: Tobb Convoy explained

TOBB's digital platform serves as a hub for its activism, featuring a clear goal, upcoming event details, ways to help through donations, a merchandise shop for supporters to show their support, and direct communication channels.

The group's composition is diverse, uniting Americans who describe themselves as patriots, conservatives, Christians, or constitutionalists. This coalition spans various professions and walks of life, including law enforcement, military veterans, ranchers, truckers, and bikers, all united by a common concern for national security and a shared commitment to the values they hold dear.

In a statement to a verified source, Hudgins elaborated on the group's ethos, "Our movement is about more than just border security. It's a stand for the principles that have guided this nation from its inception—principles that seem to be under threat today. We're rallying a community of Americans who are ready to protect and preserve what makes our country great."

TOBB's efforts reflect a broader national conversation about immigration, sovereignty, and the role of faith in public life, highlighting the passionate engagement of citizens in these pivotal issues.

What Are People Saying About The TOBB Convoy?

As the 2024 election future draws nearer, the political scene of the United States is increasingly charged with tension. This convoy, with its explicit aims and the diverse makeup of its participants, has caused a wide range of reactions, showing the big difference in views between the left and the right. The “Take Our Border Back” events have been advertised online as “PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY & PRAYER” and have been advertised on white nationalist and gun forums. The organizers of the group are stressing nonviolence, as they struggle to organize a convoy of the size they bragged about and assure their conspiracy-minded fellow right-wingers that this isn’t all just a big government setup. The voices from both sides of the political spectrum are typical of the broader national debate as the country gets closer to making its next important electoral decision.

While supporters for the extremist movements still speak up...

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