Harper proposes state-sanctioned militia to patrol border

By Luige del Puerto
Published: November 24, 2010 at 8:56 pm

Sen. Jack Harper has plans to deploy a state-sanctioned, civilian force to observe and report on illegal activity along the U.S./Mexico border, which would likely put Arizona at odds with the federal government.
An Arizona lawmaker’s idea to deploy a state-run civilian force on the U.S.-Mexico border could set the stage for a dramatic showdown with the federal government if the Legislature and the governor follow through on it.

Sen. Jack Harper, a Republican from Surprise, said he plans to introduce legislation next year that would create a government-sanctioned militia that would be allowed to patrol the border to observe illegal activity and report it to enforcement authorities.

Under Harper’s plan, the civilian force would be under the supervision of the Arizona National Guard. Its members would be allowed to carry weapons for self defense. Volunteers would need a fingerprint clearance card or undergo a background check to qualify.

“We can’t afford to have illegal aliens continue to sneak into our state and staying and bringing their children so we get stuck with their educational costs. We can’t afford to continue to provide for them in our hospitals and incarcerate them when they get caught,â€