In recent times, there has been a significant increase in harassment and threats towards immigrants along the United States-Mexico border. Members of far-right groups have been conducting live streams on YouTube and other video platforms to make money.
The ‘Take Back Our Border’ YouTube channel is making money by threatening immigrants
The “Take Back Our Border” YouTube channel, led by individuals from Texas who are part of the far-right convoy, streamed violent actions against immigrants in Arizona and California. YouTubers like Dennis Yarbery were live streaming to thousands of viewers as they approached immigrant camps at night.
During these streams, far-right individuals harassed immigrants and solicited donations from their supporters to make money, using YouTube’s “super chat” feature and other platforms. These actions took place particularly following the political rhetoric from the governor of Texas regarding border issues.
It has been reported that due to an email typo, sensitive information of the US military was sent as a message to Mali.
Biden had wanted to remove the razor wire at the border
The governor opposed calls from the Biden administration to remove razor wire at the border, encouraging anti-immigrant rhetoric from far-right groups and Republican lawmakers. Such violent rhetoric makes it difficult for human rights advocates and NGOs to carry out their work and targets immigrants.
Vandalism against water stations also occurred during these harassment actions. Sabotaging water stations, which could save lives, demonstrates the dangerous consequences of such violent actions. While platforms like YouTube may suspend the accounts of broadcasters after harassment incidents, some have created backup channels to continue their activities.
They are using technology to broadcast their threats
Advancements in technology enable far-right individuals to spread their violent actions to wider audiences and profit from them. Extremism experts warn that violent rhetoric against immigrants could directly lead to violence and note similar cycles of violence in previous years.
Therefore, social media platforms need to take more effective measures against such actions. What are your thoughts on this issue? You can share your comments below.
