PHOENIX — Two militia members playing key roles in the siege of an Oregon wildlife refuge say Arizona officials took children out of their homes as part of a campaign to pressure them into surrender.

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Arizonans Robert “LaVoy” Finicum and Blaine Cooper, who are two of the more outspoken members of the anti-government occupation, said federal authorities pressured child-welfare officials to retaliate against them days after the siege began.

Interviews and research by The Arizona Republic indicate a court case was filed against Finicum. Court and Arizona Department of Child Safety officials, however, would not provide details of any such case, saying the law prevents disclosure of information.

"Any decision regarding a child in care is made solely on the basis of what is in the child's best interest and is always done in consultation with the Attorney General's Office and the courts," DCS spokesman Doug Nick said. "Confidentiality would prevent me from saying more."

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