Is the above an accurate documented quote or statement made by the filers of the suit against the Barnetts? If so, once this statement is firmly documented as a piece evidence as to the intent of the plaintiff, and it can be presented in court, counter suing the plaintiff for something like conspiracy or intentionally crafting a suit with the intent to do economic harm to the defendant would be a recommended tact of defense. Also something related to RICO comes to mind. Accurate documentation and research of the statements, actions, and intentions of the plaintiff is critical.
I wish I could be more precise in my advise but my knowledge is a bit limited in this area. In any case it unfortunately is the burden on the defendant to pull out all the stops and vigorously defend themselves in this matter. They must solicit competent legal council. Not only because they stand to be damaged in the event of a loss of the case, but in the event of a loss, irreparable damage in the establishment of bad case law will be the result.
In addition, I highly recommend that NO ONE present themselves by dress or direct verbal statements as a Federal or local law enforcement officer or agent. It is entirely appropriate for a citizen to make a citizen's arrest as one conducts themselves appropriately. But if the case can be made that one is impersonating an officer, it does not bode well upon judicial review. KNOCK IT OFF.
I'm sure there would be others that would know far more than I and could fill you in further.
Pro-Immigrant Group Ups Border Efforts
By ANABELLE GARAY
Associated Press Writer
PHOENIX - Immigrants crossing the Mexican border into America are often pursued by authorities and chased by civilians. Now an immigrant advocacy group is hunting for them, too.
Volunteers for the pro-immigrant Border Action Network are searching for any undocumented migrants who have been harassed by armed civilian groups patrolling the border.
The network said Tuesday that the vigilante groups operate outside the law and violate the rights of immigrants. They hope to pressure authorities to intervene.
Once alleged victims come forward, attorneys plan to sue the people or groups accused of assaulting, robbing, intimidating or illegally detaining border-crossers.
"The purpose of the suit is to get at their pocketbook," said Jesus Romo, a civil rights attorney in Tucson. "Our purpose is to bankrupt these individuals so that they stop their actions."
No lawsuits have been filed thus far.
The self-appointed border patrol groups deny they are breaking the law, and said they pass along to authorities information that volunteers collect about illegal border-crossers.
The groups began appearing in Arizona in response to widespread complaints from border-area residents who said they were being overrun by large numbers of illegal immigrants.
Border Action Network volunteers are stretching their search for alleged victims along the entire U.S.-Mexican border and as far south as the Mexican state of Chiapas.
The network plans also to continue using radio spots and newspaper ads to find plaintiffs, particularly focusing in areas where migrants originate.
Glenn Spencer, president of American Border Patrol, an organization based in Sierra Vista that monitors illegal border-crossers, said his group operates lawfully and does not interfere with migrants.
Still, he said he's concerned about groups that plan to file lawsuits. "Things are getting a little hairy," he said. "They're heightening feelings on both sides of the border. They are trying to rabble-rouse."
Another group that has patrolled the Arizona-Mexico border was sued in Texas over two incidents of alleged abuse against detained migrants.
A lawsuit filed in May accuses Ranch Rescue and others of assaulting, falsely imprisoning and robbing six people during two incidents in March in rural south Texas.
Miguel Escobar, Mexican consul in Douglas, said many alleged victims have either been deported or moved away. Others have been too fearful to testify.