20/04/2019 US arrests 'member of border militia' in New Mexico - BBC News

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US arrests 'member of border militia' in New Mexico

1 hour ago

Migrant caravan

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US authorities have arrested an alleged member of a militia that has been stopping
migrants trying to cross the US-Mexico border.

Larry Mitchell Hopkins, 69, was detained in New Mexico as a felon in possession of a
weapon.

It comes just days after a video emerged of militia members detaining dozens of migrants in
the desert.

The group, United Constitutional Patriots, has been condemned by civil rights groups and
local officials.

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20/04/2019 US arrests 'member of border militia' in New Mexico - BBC News

"This is a dangerous felon who should not have weapons around children and
families," said New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas.

"Today's arrest by the FBI indicates clearly that the rule of law should be in the hands of
trained law enforcement officials, not armed vigilantes."

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While his statement said Mr Hopkins had been arrested as a felon, it did not specify what the
underlying conviction had been.

The alleged militia member is expected to appear in court on Monday.

United Constitutional Patriots, a small volunteer group, argues it is helping US Border Patrol
to deal with a surge in migrants crossing America's southern border. It is one of several
militias operating in the region.

As details of this week's latest video emerged, New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
said on Twitter that "menacing or threatening migrant families and asylum seekers is
absolutely unacceptable and must cease".

US Customs and Border Protection have previously said they are opposed to civilians
patrolling the border in search of illegal crossers.

Related Topics

Mexico–US border US immigration United States Migrant caravan

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