But the efforts of such well-intentioned groups are being undermined by state policy that leaves a lot to be desired.

One organization in particular, Patriots for America, has stepped up in Texas with the aim of "fight[ing] to defend everyone's Constitutional rights while helping protect our borders and working together with law enforcement to rescue minors and children from sex trafficking," per the group's website.

Media have described Patriots for America, whose armed members include former law enforcement and military who train other members in the use of firearms, as a Christian militia group. But Samuel Hall, the group's founder, emphasized in a conversation with Fox News that their mission is humanitarian in nature.

Patriots for America, Hall said, strives to get asylum seekers out of the hands of gangs and drug traffickers.

"These are asylum seekers, these are families with small children. We've been pulling even babies out of the river. And I'm not talking about waist-deep rivers … they're swimming with their baby and anything can happen. The current's strong," Hall told Fox News.