The leader of an armed militia group that made headlines for detaining migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border has been hospitalized after reportedly being attacked in prison.

Larry Hopkins, who was arrested Saturday in New Mexico on charges of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, was hospitalized with broken ribs after being attacked on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing his attorney, Kelly O’Connell.

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"This guy is very high profile. So, if he gets put into jail and is immediately attacked after his first hearing just a few days after being put in there, can Dona Ana County correctional protect high profile defendants?" O'Connell told Reuters, adding he didn't know what led to the attack.

Officials at Dona Ana County Detention Center, where Hopkins is being held, were not immediately available for comment.

Hopkins, 69, is a leader of the United Constitutional Patriots militia. New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas (D) said Hopkins is one of several militia members seen on video confronting hundreds of minors near the border.

"This is a dangerous felon who should not have weapons around children and families," Balderas said over the weekend. "Today's arrest by the FBI indicates clearly that the rule of law should be in the hands of trained law enforcement officials, not armed vigilantes."

Prosecutors said Hopkins has three prior felony convictions dating back more than a decade, including impersonating a peace officer in Oregon in 2006.