The Dark Legacy of the Texas Rangers

This chapter examines the historical evolution of the Texas Rangers from a protective force for white settlers to a militarized policing agency involved in systemic violence against Indigenous peoples and Mexican communities. It highlights their role in ethnic cleansing and the brutal enforcement of racial justice while addressing their controversial legacy in popular culture. Through personal narratives and historical analysis, the chapter reveals the ongoing implications of the Rangers' actions, challenging the romanticized narratives often associated with them.