Evidently the local authorities were either not adequately prepared or inclined to “kick them the hell off the land”.
SeeSharp’s point on the long standing legal doctrine of “adverse possession” seems to have overwhelming weight in the rancher’s favor re his rights to the land in question.
The County Sheriff has a TON of legal power within his jurisdiction and Federal Law says that ALL agencies must work through that office. All Gillespie had to do was order them off the land or be arrested. Wimpy Sandoval could have instructed him if he didn't act.
Unfortunately, the good Sheriff (of Nottingham) came from the ranks of The Southern Poverty Law Center (ACLU on steroids) and is a lap dog of the Democrats.
Sheriff Mack said that Gillespie wrung his hands and said he was powerless - or words to that effect. Unfortunately Part II, Clark County, as is Nevada, is run by Las Vegas and nothing will be done to throw him out.
“Them” being the Feds was my point.