In Plain Sight: Uncovering Border Patrol's Relationship with Far-Right Militias at the Border

[Nevilledog]

Link to tweet

Tweet text:
Marc-André Argentino
@_MAArgentino
Antigovernment militia groups in Arizona appear to be working in tandem with some Border Patrol agents in Pima County, based on a Hatewatch review of social media.

In Plain Sight: Uncovering Border Patrol's Relationship with
Antigovernment militia groups in Arizona appear to be working in tandem with some Border Patrol agents in Pima County, based on a Hatewatch review of social media.
splcenter.org
9:58 PM · Jul 29, 2021

https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2021/07/29/plain-sight-uncovering-border-patrols-relationship-far-right-militias-southern-border

As militias on the border have become more brazen in recent months, it appears some Border Patrol agents have turned a blind eye to their activities. Hatewatch has reviewed several videos of Border Patrol agents interacting with these border militia members, in some cases even appearing to have established friendly relationships.

Officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department did not return Hatewatch’s repeated requests for comment.

The group, Veterans on Patrol (VOP), a Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) designated antigovernment militia group, has documented the militia coalition’s activities on platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, detailing detainments in the region.

In messages posted to VOP’s telegram channel, vigilante “operations” show how VOP, along with other groups such as AZ Desert Guardians and United People of America, have stopped, interrogated and siphoned migrants into the hands of Border Patrol agents. In total, Hatewatch identified at least 14 instances where border militia groups “intercepted” migrants in Pima County, Arizona. Facebook images of the group’s activities make it clear agents have been aware of the militia presence in the region since at least 2019.

*snip*