Activist group takes belongings found at border to migrant shelter

An activist group called Arizona Patriots has made several visits to the border surrounding Yuma County to speak out against the asylum seekers entering the United States.

During one visit they went to the border to pick up clothing and other items they claim were left behind by the migrants and tried to gain access at the Yuma Salvation Army to dump the items there.

The event happened on May 19 and was live streamed on Facebook.

Jen Harrison, a representative of the group, took a bag from a truck and carries it to the front door of the shelter.

” The Salvation Army is asking for donations, right for these people who claim that they have nothing, but they just threw all their stuff on our desert. So we thought we would do the humanitarian thing and return it to them, ” said Harrison.

The sign on the door said no phones or videos, so Harrison faced her phone down but continues recording.

A Salvation Army worker opened the door and then Harrison drops the bag and explained what is inside.

She said it’s all the stuff left behind in the desert by the migrants.

News 11 asked the group how they know the belongings actually belonged to the migrants, and they said it’s because they have witnessed it.

” We have spoken to them and what we do is after a group crosses, we’ll go down and check the river’s edge to see what they left behind. So we’ve found birth certificates, identification, pesos, medications, along with all of their personal items, ” said Harrison.

As the live stream continues, a representative from the Salvation Army spoke to Harrison outside who tells her they, referring to the migrants, are here, so they should assist as best as they can.

Harrison continues to ask the worker questions, but he ends the conversation by offering her Captain Jeff Breazeale’s phone number which she declines.

The live stream has been shared over 500 times. Some users who shared the video commented that they don’t agree with the method. One even commented that Harrison should be arrested for harassment.

News 11 reached out to the Salvation Army but they say they will not be commenting on the matter.