A militia has set up a command center south of San Antonio to prepare for what they say is a mission to protect the United States from the influx of illegal immigrants.
The militia, operating via the website PatriotsInformationHotline.com, founded by Barbie Rogers, said members at the command center in Von Ormy will deploy to Laredo first and spread to other parts of the border, a local ABC affiliate reported.
Chris Davis, the 37-year-old commander of the group, would not disclose how many members make up the militia, but said the troops would deploy "in a few weeks."
"We have patriots all across this country who are willing to sacrifice their time, their monies, even quit their jobs to come down and fight for freedom, liberty and national sovereignty," Mr. Davis told the station.
Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that it "does not endorse or support any private group or organization from taking matters into their own hands as it could have disastrous, personal and public safety consequence," the station reported.
"CBP appreciates the efforts of concerned citizens as they act as our eyes and ears. Securing our nation's borders can be dangerous. Interdicting narcotics and deterring and apprehending individuals illegally entering the U.S. requires highly trained law enforcement personnel," the statement said.
According to the Patriots Information Hotline, there are 4 credible militia operations on the ground currently in Texas.
"We only have contact with one. We hold an open invitation for all active or potential groups on the ground to contact us for any help we have to offer," the website said.
And in Arizona, the group said they have contact with three troops on the ground. The group is recruiting volunteer members for all operations.
The group will secure the border in a "legal and lawful manner" and volunteers are being vetted through criminal background checks, Mr. Davis told The Houston Chronicle.
A call to the "Patriot Hotline," was met with a request for a name to perform a "criminal background check to make sure you don't have any felonies," but it is unclear what documentation is required, The Chronicle reported.
Many of the members participating were also part of the standoff at Cliven Bundy's Nevada ranch.
"I have made contact with Mr. Cliven Bundy," a post on the group's website says. "Mr. Bundy says thank you all for your support and continued thoughts and prayers. He and his family are all well. They don't need anything at the moment. But they really appreciate the fact that the patriot community has continued to stand by them."
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