Militia Defiant in New Mexico: ‘It's My God-Given Right to Be Here’

Authorities in Sunland Park, whose population of about 15,600 is more than 90 percent Latino, have made it clear that the men in the desert are testing their patience.

The Sunland Park Police Department is evicting the group, telling its members that they want them gone from the camp site by the end of the week. Union Pacific, which operates the railroad near the militia's camp, warned the armed men that they were trespassing to reach their camp.

“These outsiders talk about an invasion when they are the ones invading our peace and quiet,” said Jesus Hernandez, 70, who lives in Sunland Park and works in nearby El Paso shining shoes. “I have some advice for them: Get a job and leave us alone."

What's next for the United Constitutional Patriots? Their ranks, while never numerous, seem to be thinning. Mr. Hopkins is in jail on a felony weapons charge and Jim Benvie, the group's self-described spokesman, was away from the camp on Tuesday.

An older militia member known as "Pops" used vulgar language when a reporter asked him a question, making it clear that he doesn't care for journalists. He also warned against trying to take his picture, telling reporters he didn't want publicity.

Still, officials are increasing scrutiny of the group. Three Democratic members of Congress — Deb Haaland and Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico and Veronica Escobar of Texas — wrote to F.B.I. Director Christopher Wray requesting an investigation of the United Constitutional Patriots.

“The right to stop and detain should remain reserved for law enforcement,” they said in the letter. “As a nation, we must end this xenophobic behavior.”