The Times reported that a spokesman for the United Constitutional Patriots militia group said their actions were legal, “comparing the detention of the migrants to ‘a verbal citizen’s arrest.'”
But videos showing migrants held by the group drew swift condemnation from the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, which sent
a letter to state authorities denouncing the actions and asking the government to step in.
“We cannot allow racist and armed vigilantes to kidnap and detain people seeking asylum,” the ACLU’s letter said. “We urge you to immediately investigate this atrocious and unlawful conduct.”
CNN is reaching out to US Customs and Border Protection, the United Constitutional Patriots and New Mexico officials for comment.
