WASHINGTON - A new report says militia groups with gripes against the government and illegal immigration are regrouping across the country and could grow rapidly. <br />
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The Southern Poverty Law Center suggests that people joining the groups may be upset about the poor economy and a liberal administration led by a black president. It says the groups are mainly in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest and Deep South. <br />
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The study also finds the public debate about illegal immigration may be giving rise to conspiracy theories about a secret Mexican plan to reclaim the Southwest. <br />
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The growth is reminiscent of what was seen in the 1990s, when right-wing militias were popping up in large numbers. Followers included Timothy McVeigh, who blew up an Oklahoma City federal building, killing 168 people. <br />
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But the SPLC study says there don't seem to be as many threats and violent acts associated with such militia groups at this point.
