[chris in va]

Absent that, the group in question is nothing more than an unauthorized paramilitary organization and probably illegal.

Illegal. You mean against laws put forth by the government?

The gentlemen in the picture, was that considered 'illegal'? Probably.

I have seen no evidence of this and feel this assumption is outside the scope of the discussion anyway.

Again, do you live there? Have first-hand experience living in the city?

I don't live there either. But I do know what my friend in Lodi tells me, and it really makes me fear for his well being.