Once again, the violent leftist groups (like Earth First) that you insist on labeling "similar" to the MM are in fact not even remotely similar in any respect. Saying that you "expect the worst" of the MM is fair enough (that's your opinion), but calling 'vigilantes' is irresponsible. ...and just plain wrong.
It's not only wrong, but slanderously absurd.
This newbie poster (and perhaps FROBL alias) is a lying troll who won't be hanging around too much longer at this rate.
I'm not saying EarthFirst is similar to the Minutemen. Read into the argument, don't misrepresent it. I'm saying that anti-immigration groups have a history of violence, any just about any century or time. Wherever there was large scale immigration, there have been groups opposed to it. Within each of the groups a minority, and in cases a majority, have been violently opposed to immigration. Ever see a "No Irish need apply" sign? Being anti-immigration is not new, nor is the involvement of violence. What I'm saying is I'm not expecting human nature to have fundamentally changed. History is as accurate a predictor of human behavior as anything, and unless the membership of this group is composed, down to the last man, of the most saintliest men alive, I have no reason to expect anything different.
I'm not saying the Minutemen may instigate a conflict. Any small chance event could trigger violence. In the middle of the night a walking stick could appear as a rifle. An immigrant realizing he's going to be thrown back across the border could instead of fleeing away, could flee towards and be shot out of fear. Or someone could just pop a shot off because he thinks he can get away with it. Human nature is not pretty, and with emotions running high (Desperation on one hand and the thrill of the chase on the other) mixed with weapons usually ends up with someone getting shot. Saying, "But that hasn't happened yet," is like saying, "I can eat hamburgers for every meal. No one in my family ever had a heart attack, so I won't either." You might be correct in saying nothing will happen. You might not.
Whether or not said shooting is justified is a different matter.