It is a public relations move on their (the govt.) part. When and if the problem or the publicity die down they will no doubt change their tune again.
You are probably right. But nevertheless, it is a good thing and it is considerably more productive then calling them vigilantes.
In California right now a Minuteman is being subjected to very threatening counter-protests by all the usual America hating groups.
If this auxillary were deputized it would seem like the government would have some responsibility to protect its semi-official law enforcement agents.