Militia Groups Prepare to Face off Against Federal Government over Border Crisis

/ by Prissy Holly /

After recently discovering U.S. based militia groups’ plans to close several bridges between Texas and Mexico, authorities in Texas are preparing to use “whatever force is necessary” to prevent the groups from continuing with their plans.
Militia groups across the area are calling on members to block traffic in the Rio Grande Valley on Sept. 20th, 2014 to protest the federal government’s failure to secure the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

One law enforcement officer commented anonymously about the situation, explaining that the bridges were not symbols of illegal immigration, but they are vital parts of the local economy:

“We will not allow these groups to disrupt the economic commerce of our region and we are prepared to use force to keep the bridges open. We cannot allow them to be shut down by lawless behavior from people who claim to be promoting the rule of law.”

Another a confidential source stated that they believe the threats by the militia groups to be credible, and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to deliver an appropriate response:

“The international bridges are federal property. We will back up the agents of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in defending these properties and make sure the lawful flow of people and commerce continues.”

Since the surge at the border, over 2,000 additional people have been called in to protect the region consisting of border patrol officers, Department of Public Safety troopers, and a recent addition of 1,000 members of the Texas National Guard.
The Mayor of Rio Grande City, Ruben Villarreal, stated that while he supports the rights of militia members to express their opinion, he is still concerned about their intent:

“What can we expect? I don’t know. The unknown becomes an issue that we really got to prepare for. If they’re here to block traffic, to be a hindrance between traffic and the port of entry, that causes a problem. It’s a huge safety issue. A port of entry is not just a port of entry for people; it’s also a port of entry for commerce. There are hundreds of millions of dollars that transact at the ports of entry. If their intent is to cause a disruption at a port of entry, it’s not only a matter of people, it’s a matter of commerce as well,” he said.

As law enforcement officials have expressed unity in their plans to protect the bridges at whatever cost, militia members do not seem to be backing down from their plans either. As September 20th rapidly approaches, let’s hope that both sides can resolve the issue in a peaceful manner. Americans fighting Americans is certainly not the way to accomplish anything — even if the federal government is wrong.