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."
"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"
EXCELLENT ARNOLD - KEEP SPEAKING OUT!
ping?
Viva El Terminador!
If their irked now, let's shoot for infuriate.
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
close the border and stop Social Security identity theft and fraud NOW!!!
Evidently Arnold doesn't give damn about the nonsense that comes out of Bush's mouth.
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.
like they (mexico) matter, they are the biggest part of the problem
I'm proud of Arnold. He came to this country the right way and look where it has gotten him. Mexico has no excuses.
ping
Innaccurate, but fear sure is a motivator sometimes isn't it?
:(|)
The more any foreign nation is "irked" at any US politician the more support I want to give that politician.
---- Mexico and our leaders who allow their citizens to jump up and down on our forefathers efforts to provide a decent law abiding nation for us.
Hey, what have they got to be irked at?
For heaven's sake, Mexicans shoot people on their southern border, so I think America has been very forgiving of their transgressions so far.
Maybe America has almost rewarded transgressions IMO.