A militia group camped out along the United States' border with Mexico plans to keep patrolling for illegal immigrants until the longer border wall is built.
The United Constitutional Patriots (UCP) is based in Flora Vista, New Mexico, which lies in the northwestern corner of the state. But some of its members, who are legally armed, have situated themselves along the Mexican border in Arizona, just to the west of El Paso, Texas. Their self-imposed mission is to keep watch and report any illegal border crossers to the Border Patrol.
According to AFP, around six of the group's members — most of them aging veterans — are staying in tents. They plan to stay until President Donald Trump's wall is finished.
"We're here to assist the Border Patrol because they are so short-handed," the group's leader, a 70-year-old known as "Striker," told AFP.
"We have a good work rapport with them. Our goal was to be here until we're not needed. And when we're not needed is when that wall is up."
The militia is armed with rifles and other tactical gear. Its role is keeping a close eye on the border, watching over detained illegals as they await the Border Patrol, and chasing others who do not wish to be taken into custody peacefully.
Trump secured federal funds via Congress and an emergency declaration to build additional miles of border barrier as the illegal immigration problem continues. Caravans containing thousands of people have made their way from Central America to the U.S., asking for asylum and a better life.