The mission of the Whitecaps was to do what?

The mission of the Whitecaps was to protect the rights of people from the "land grabbers." This group emerged in New Mexico in the late 19th century as a vigilante organization responding to the issues surrounding land disputes, particularly against those who were perceived to be unfairly taking land from local communities, especially from settlers and ranchers. The term "land grabbers" typically refers to those who sought to exploit land through illegal means or through corrupt practices, and the Whitecaps aimed to defend the interests of the local populace from these injustices. They sometimes utilized intimidation or direct action, but their foundational goal was to establish a form of local governance and protection for the community against external threats to their rights and property.

The other options reflect actions that do not align with the primary goal of the Whitecaps, focusing instead on violence or criminal activity not consistent with their mission. The emphasis on protecting rights highlights their role as a localized response to broader socio-economic issues facing the region during that time.