08 JUL 2022

Ignoring the Deadly Consequences of White Supremacist Propaganda and Disinformation, Gov. Abbott Ramps Up Bigoted Stunts Targeted at Texas Multiracial Communities

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, empowered by GOP state county allies to declare an “invasion” at the southern border, ordered local law enforcement and the National Guard in the state to deport migrants they apprehend to the border. The governor’s actions are a continuation of a series of dangerous, undemocratic, divisive political stunts that weaponize language and policies against Texas’s multiracial communities, putting at risk the safety of all Texans.

“The latest order by Governor Abbott literally puts one of the largest populations of Latinos in the nation at risk,” stated Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub. “Ignoring the deadly consequences of white supremacist theories and disinformation that have encouraged violence and mass shootings, like the one in El Paso, the governor is choosing to jeopardize the lives of all Texans and Americans. His relentless attacks under the guise of ‘border security’ demonstrate a willingness to align himself and his administration to fringe, racist ideologies, and groups for political gain. This latest ploy is an anti-democratic usurping of a constitutional federal authority and will undoubtedly lead to racial profiling in the state and harm to immigrants. 

“Abbott is declaring a fictionalized ‘invasion’ of Brown and Black migrants, dehumanizing vulnerable people and echoing the ‘Great Replacement Theory,’ to create chaos, division, and fear not just in Texas, but all of America. His rhetoric is dangerous and with grave human consequences. We don’t expect a moral awakening within Governor Abbott, but he should be held to account for his escalating attacks against immigrant communities and policy stunts that hurt Texans. This is not about the border. This is not normal. This is not what Texas needs right now. This is not what America needs as it faces the compounded challenges of gun violence, extremism, domestic terrorism and disinformation. Abbott is a threat to people’s safety, our democracy and collective future.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.