[2] The organization was founded in 1957 by Carlos Valverde Barbery, leader of the Bolivian Socialist Falange, a falangist party.

[3] Claiming a membership of more than two thousand, the UJC has violently enforced general civic strikes called for by the Pro Santa Cruz Committee,[4] intimidated and assaulted leftist political opponents,[5] and provided security for the 4 May Santa Cruz Autonomy referendum,[6] participating in violent clashes the day of the vote.

[7] Two members of the UJC were arrested and accused of plotting to assassinate Morales on 20 June 2008, when encountered by police in possession of a rifle, scope, and ammunition in Santa Cruz prior to the president's flight arrival.

[8] Some sources claimed that they were captured at the airport, but others located the suspects in a popular market.

Known for its violent activism, the organization is considered a paramilitary group by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).