Mexico Irked at California Governor's Praise of 'Minuteman' Border Project

AP Wire Service ^ | Apr 29, 2005 | Will Weissert

[SkyDancer]

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico on Friday condemned the comments of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who praised hundreds of civilian volunteers guarding the Arizona-Mexican border in search of people crossing illegally.

[SkyDancer]

The Foreign Relations Department, which has said it is investigating the illegal detention of 13 Mexicans allegedly apprehended by members of the "Minuteman Project," rejected Schwarzenegger's comments, saying "these types of unfortunate pronouncements are not the way to achieve a better understanding between our country and California."

In a radio interview Thursday, Schwarzenegger said of the volunteers, "I think they've done a terrific job, and look, they've cut down the crossing of illegal immigrants by a huge percentage."

Minuteman volunteers, some of whom are armed, began patrolling April 1 for migrants crossing into Arizona over what is considered the most-porous stretch of the 2,000-mile (3,200 kilometers) U.S.-Mexico border.

Project organizers claim volunteers are only out to identify illegal crossers to U.S. authorities and call attention to the illegal migration issue. The group has denied allegations of wrongful detentions.

But Mexicans commonly refer to the volunteers as "migrant hunters," and Foreign Relations Department officials have been closely watching the border for Minuteman-related violations.

Last week, Schwarzenegger solicited an angry response from Mexico City by calling for a closed border, comments he later blamed on problems with his English, which is his second language.

The Republican was clearer this time, accusing the federal government of failing to control the borders and of encouraging illicit crossers by providing them with water.

"The whole system is set up to really invite people to come in here illegally, and that has to stop," Schwarzenegger said.

In a statement, the Foreign Relations Department said it was especially surprised by the governor's comments "now that the administration of President (George W.) Bush has clearly stated its opposition to the vigilante activities on the border."

"These manifestations prejudice historical economic, social and cultural ties between Mexico and California," the statement said. "Today, our country is the main market for products from that state. In 2004, California exported US$17.2 billion (euro13 billion) worth of merchandise to Mexico."

Last week, Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez personally reacted to Schwarzenegger's calls for a closed border, saying the comments "were wrong, an error and something we're not going to accept."

He said of the governor's subsequent apology, "We hope that he won't be tripped up by his English again, and that this time around he has used the right English."

[tfecw]

"He said of the governor's subsequent apology, "We hope that he won't be tripped up by his English again, and that this time around he has used the right English.""

okay that one is kind of funny :) I think some name calling and taunting is healthy for "helping our countries understand each other"

[Fitzcarraldo]

EXCELLENT ARNOLD - KEEP SPEAKING OUT!

[ozarkgirl]

ping?

[dfwgator]

Viva El Terminador!

[moehoward]

If their irked now, let's shoot for infuriate.

[LA-Lawyer]

"Minuteman volunteers, some of whom are armed, began patrolling April 1 for migrants crossing into Arizona over what is considered the most-porous stretch of the 2,000-mile (3,200 kilometers) U.S.-Mexico border. "

Armed for their own protection.

"But Mexicans commonly refer to the volunteers as "migrant hunters," and Foreign Relations Department officials have been closely watching the border for Minuteman-related violations. "

As the Foreign Relations Dept. watches their own citizens violated American immigration and customs laws

[Republicus2001]

close the border and stop Social Security identity theft and fraud NOW!!!

[SkyDancer]

Ok, I'm for that. This was my first post. I too am upset over the open border plus Mexico's indifference and actual support of their people violating our country; then to have the Mexican government complain that we complain??


Regards,
Jane

[kingattax]

.MEXICO

[Mr. Mojo]

In a statement, the Foreign Relations Department said it was especially surprised by the governor's comments "now that the administration of President (George W.) Bush has clearly stated its opposition to the vigilante activities on the border."

Evidently Arnold doesn't give damn about the nonsense that comes out of Bush's mouth.

[Godzilla]

The Foreign Relations Department, which has said it is investigating the illegal detention of 13 Mexicans allegedly apprehended by members of the "Minuteman Project,"

IIRC, the incident referred to here was not associated with the MM, but occured at a rest stop near the AZ-CA border were a single person detained the group at gunpoint. I haven't heard of any such situation occuring where the MM are operating.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

[sure_fine]

like they (mexico) matter, they are the biggest part of the problem

[Wiseghy]

"The whole system is set up to really invite people to come in here illegally, and that has to stop"

Truer words have never been spoken. The feds seem to be wringing their hands over Mexican Oil and the Hispanic base. Arnie doesn't care, and he calls 'em likes he see's 'em.

Note, this is coming from an immigrant who is simply appalled by the total and uncontrolled chaos at our border. I'll bet many in the base, including legal Latinos feel the same way.Are you listening, Karl?

[DumpsterDiver]

Evidently Arnold doesn't give damn about the nonsense that comes out of Bush's mouth.

Dubya owes the MMP an apology for that remark of his. Seeing some Mexican official quote that crap ticks me off even more.

"now that the administration of President Bush has clearly stated its opposition to the vigilante activities on the border."

Go eat a pretzel.

[waiyu]

I'm proud of Arnold. He came to this country the right way and look where it has gotten him. Mexico has no excuses.

[JudgemAll]

Let me see....

HOW ABOUT WE ILLEGALY INVADE MEXICO WITH OUR MULSIMS AND MAKE A MUSLIM STATE SOUTH OF THE BORDER!!!

I'm all for carrying the "antiracist" logic to its fullest.

[SF Republican]

Ya know what - the HELL with Mexico!!! What have they done for us lately????? - well, two of them clean my house every couple of weeks, a few of them clean my office every night. Two helped me carry some very heavy items when I moved. Two of them work at a burrito place I go once a week. They are nice people whose business I will continue to patronize, they provide services which I am happy to pay for. By the way when we were looking for cleaners, not one single ANGLO came by, 5 Latinos did, they wanted work. And in case you wonder, I did not ask for papers any more than I would have asked for ID papers when I met my french wife.