Why do far-right activists in the West, from the Bundys to the militias that occupied Oregon's federal land in 2016, harbor such deep resentment toward the federal government? And how did sheriffs become protectors of ranchers in their standoff with federal authorities? In this episode, we examine how key figures within the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) helped orchestrate the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation. The takeover wasn’t just a 40-day armed standoff—it marked a turning point in the growing alliance between far-right activists and local sheriffs in their resistance to federal authority. Host Cloee Cooper touches on the roots of this conflict, tracing decades of far-right resentment and showing how the CSPOA empowered militias to challenge the government.

Featured in this episode:

• Zoe Nemerever, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Auburn University
• John Sepulvado, former journalist with Oregon Public Radio

Further Reading:

• For a thorough exploration of Oregon’s patriot movement and their involvement with the 2016 Malheur Wildlife Refuge Takeover, read Up In Arms: A Guide to Oregon’s Patriot Movement.
• Dive into the history of Sheriffs in the West and their alignment with anti-federal government activists.
• Learn how GOP politicians planned and executed key aspects of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge Occupation.

The Insurgence: Sheriffs is created and hosted by PRA research director, Cloee Cooper. This episode was co-written by Cloee Cooper and Camilo Garzón. Audio production, audio editing, sound design, sound engineering, sound mix, story editing, story development, and consulting production by Cuentero Productions. All under their client-facing trademark, Cuentero Transeúnte Productions™. Olivia Lawrence-Weilmann provided production assistance and creative consulting. Additional production assistance was performed by René Martin. Original score is by Aakash Desai. The Insurgence: Sheriffs is executive produced by Political Research Associates (PRA) and Cuentero Productions.