Complicating the situation was staunch resistance Defending to white settlement from local Native American groups , most notably during the Apache Wars Hostile_encounter , as well as Cochise County 's location on the border with Mexico , which not only threatened Influence international conflict Violence but also presented Giving opportunities for criminal smugglers and cattle rustlers .

The conflict began Process_start when cattle companies started ruthlessly persecuting alleged rustlers in the area , many of whom were innocent settlers who competed with them for land , livestock and water rights .