Posted: Apr 21, 2010 7:23 AM
Updated: Apr 21, 2010 7:23 AM
The Cochise County Militia is seeking new members.
Formerly the Cochise Border Crew, they're now a private military company armed with weapons, aimed at stopping illegal immigration.
Dan Frazier is patroling for illegal immigrants and drugs in Tombstone. He's one of 383 unpaid members of the Cochise County Militia.
Their mission statement reads, "We all volunteer to do the job our government refuses to do" labeling themselves paramilitary, not vigilantes.
Frazier says, "We're not vigilantes at all, we're basically a neighborhood watch."
Make that an armed neighborhood watch.
Bill Davis with the militia says, "Most of the coyote and cartel spotters are armed, you don't take a knife to a gun fight."
Davis is seeking combat veterans to fill positions, but insists he won't tolerate misuse of weapons.
"I interview them and if they make a mistake and use the word 'kill' or 'Mexican' I don't want them," says Davis.
To be balanced, a Border Patrol spokesperson tells News 4 they don't endorse people taking matters into their own hands, for safety reasons. But help in the form of tips and phone calls is appreciated
Frazier says, "We're just trying to make their job easier basically."
Frazier says the under the law his militia can't detain or arrest migrants, he says they assist Border Patrol in tracking their whereabouts on foot, and monitoring seven cameras they've hidden in the desert.
On the militia's Web site, their fifth rule of engagement reads "Be polite... Be professional... Be ready to kill all you meet".
Davis says, "That's a facetious remark, but you have to be, the Border Patrol thinks the same way."
Davis tells News 4 the militia assisted Border Patrol with nearly 1,800 apprehensions in 2009.
Comments