"Come say that to my face, ladies."
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."
"Mexico Irked at California Governor's Praise of 'Minuteman' Border Project"
EXCUSE ME, but isn't this STILL the USA? Who gives a royal fart that Mexico is IRKED! Mexico thinks Cali is still part of Mexico!...Dream on! Well on second thought......
I don't know - are cashiers checks, money orders and wire transfers considered 'products'?
Screw this little anti-American weasel and Muck Fexico! Let's see how irked they get when the Minutemen expand operations to Texas, New Mexico and California.
> Mexicans commonly refer to the volunteers as "migrant hunters" <
I think the Minutemen should wait until 3 or 4 in the morning, and fire a few random shots into the ground followed by a bunch of whooping and hollering 'red-neck' style. That would be a great deterrent all on its own.</p>
Its something you're going to have to accept. This aint your country.
judgeandjury on Friday condemned the government of Mexico, which is hopelessly corrupt and useless, and which absolutely refuses to lift so much as a finger to try to help its own people, preferring instead that they illegally enter other countries to seek what Mexico won't provide to them.
I couldn't care less what Mexico thinks of our efforts to preserve American sovereignty and control who comes into this country. If Mexico doesn't like it, tough s**t...
Mexico is irked. So? Why do we care?
We're "irked" that they keep sending people over the border.
Keep it up Arnold.
Want a better understanding of mexico? Look south of the border in El Paso or Larado.
That's all ya need to know.
Irk away, Mexico!
Viva migrant hunters
Minuteman Project: "Anchor Babies Against Illegal Immigration."
Derbez was far more upset at Schwarzenegger than he was at Fidel Castro, who really lambasted President Fox and urged him to resign. It shows how important the illegal immigrant cash flow is to Mexico and its politicians.
Is there going to be a duel?
I think the backlash has started and it will soon become a avalanche despite the best efforts of the media, the politicians and corporations.
He said... "We hope... he has used the right English."
Of course illegals are not kept to that standard... QUE?