The Freemen have also allegedly carried on a reign of terror, threatening the lives of local officials.
Critics contend that law enforcement has been far too slow and reluctant to take on such groups.
Others wonder whether the new softer approach merely appeases outlaws. We spoke to three experts on the American militia movement and far right nativist groups. Kenneth S. Stern is the American Jewish Committee's expert on hate groups. The Freemen have been wanted for financial scams and threatening local officials for at least two years. But the Feds don't want anybody moving in on their turf.