7/10/2014
One militia group is calling for action to secure the South Texas border.
The group calls themselves ‘The Patriots Information Hotline’. It sent out a post asking for volunteers to secure and close crossing areas Southern Texas border starting in Laredo. However, if the group makes its way to the Rio Grande Valley, some say they won't be welcomed with open arms.
This Facebook call to action was posted by the ‘PatriotsInformationHotline’. It is asking all Texas and national militia to unite to close down all border crossings. It reads: “operation complete when border fence is in place and secure.”
Hidalgo County Interim Sheriff Eddie Guerra told Action4 News militia groups from as far as New York have reached out to him, but they are not being welcomed.
“It’s a bad idea. I don’t want them," he said.
The Sheriff worries militia groups will use dramatic measures to stop family units and unaccompanied children from crossing the U.S/Mexico border, who have not posed a serious threat as they are turning themselves into Border Patrol and local authorities
Guerra said he wants to avoid any public safety risks.
"I believe this particular group was quoted in a video saying, ‘just point a gun at them-at their head. Tell them turn around and go back.’ Well, that’s going to have some consequences," Guerra warned especially is the person they point the gun at turns out the be a U.S citizen. Guerra said if someone were to be hurt or shot, the aggressor would face charges.
The idea of an armed militia along the Rio Grande also didn't sit too well with community activists who've been calling the surge a humanitarian crisis.
"Saying that they are going to shoot people if they don’t cross back? It’s really ridiculous, its hateful, its racist," said L.U.P.E spokesperson John Michael Torres.
"We have enough law enforcement, we have enough border patrol. If we needed to call up people, I have the authority to call up people, but I don’t see that in this situation. That's not necessary," reassured Guerra.
That video posted by the militia group has been removed from YouTube. Action4 News also tried to reach the Patriots Information Hotline for comment by phone and email, but we have yet to receive a response.
Sheriff Guerra said if anyone is looking to help with the immigration crisis, rather than taking action into their your hands to secure our border, you can ask to join Border Patrol or a local law enforcement agency.
Sheriff Guerra said if anyone is looking to help with the immigration crisis, rather than taking action into their your hands to secure our border, you can ask to join Border Patrol or a local law enforcement agency.
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