An ominous warning came by way of the U.S. Border Patrol this week directed at Texas landowners along the U.S.-Mexico border that “armed civilians” might appear on their property to confront the horde of illegal migrants pushing towards the U.S.
The Associated Press reported that armed militias are intending to support the National Guard and Border Patrol to prevent illegal migrants from crossing into the U.S.
This of course could set up a potentially serious confrontation between “armed civilians” and those tasked with legally securing the border, namely the National Guard and Border Patrol.
The AP is reporting that at least 3-armed militia groups are heading to the U.S.-Mexico border to confront and stop the 4,000 plus migrant caravan, before they attempt to enter the U.S.
One of the groups took to social media posting that it’s “imperative we have boots on the ground.” While another bluntly wrote; “WAR! SECURE THE BORDER NOW!”
Shannon McGauley, president of the Texas Minuteman militia, acknowledged to the AP that his group is already stationed at 3-points of entry along the border, with another 25 to 100 more armed individuals expected to arrive and supplement the force already in-place.
Most Americans are probably unaware that the militia and other volunteer groups have been regularly patrolling the border for decades.
The partnership between civilians and the Border Patrol in controlling the influx of illegal migrants and drug gangs along the border is vital. Once they spot a trespasser, the civilians usually contact the Border Patrol to apprehend them. They cannot interfere with the process, since the Border Patrol is the law enforcement branch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection – part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
With the recent news that America is being invaded by thousands upon thousands of migrants from Honduras, Guatemala, and other Central American countries, the militia is turning militant, which is no doubt an extremely dangerous and volatile situation.
The President, perhaps realizing the potential confrontation, tweeted out on Tuesday; “Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!”
Thus far the President has mobilized over 5,200 regular active troops (with another 1,500 in reserve), in what the Commander of U.S. Northern Command described as an effort to “harden the southern border” by stiffening defenses at and near legal entry points.
Appearing on Fox’s Laura Ingraham show, the President explained how the troop augmentation would work; “When they are captured, we don’t let them out,” We’re not letting them out … We’re not catching, we’re not releasing … We’re not letting them into this country.”
The strategy by the administration is to build “tent cities” near the border to house any asylum-seekers who have joined the caravan.
He added, “We’re going to put tents up all over the place,” We’re not going to build structures and spend … hundreds of millions of dollars. We’re going to have tents, they’re going to be very nice and they’re going to wait and if they don’t get asylum, they get out.”
No doubt the ACLU along with the 9TH Circuit will of course challenge the President’s directive. However, the “wild-card” in this unfolding political chess-game are those “armed civilians” we call the militia – those the founders regarded as our last line of defense. “The Congress shall have Power To …provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.” Article I, Section 8, Clause 15.
