"There is a simmering dispute between Cocopah tribal leaders and the Yuma Patriots group over access to the reservation, one that has resulted in open confrontation at certain times. The dispute really boils down to an issue of property rights at its elemental level.

The right of the tribe to control the reservation is clear and supported by the courts. So if the tribe objects to having unofficial law enforcers on the reservation or the levee, it has a right to keep them off, just as anyone has a right to control who is on property they control. The arguments of the Patriots seem moot to us. If the tribe doesn't want them there, that's the way it has to be.

We, like tribal officials, have concerns about citizen groups acting as substitutes for authorities. Individual civilians certainly can volunteer to help law enforcement, and the Yuma Police Department and Yuma County Sheriff's Department both have formal programs for that purpose which they manage and direct."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Cocopahs have right to limit access to area (The Yuma Sun 6/20)

Relevant Links:
Cocopah Tribe - http://www.cocopah.com

Related Stories:
Cocopah Tribe won't recognize 'Patriots' group (6/14)
Group supports right of tribes to cross U.S. border (6/13)
'Patriots' to patrol reservation despite warning (6/10)
Cocopah Tribe tells 'Patriots' group to stay away (6/9)