Posted on 04/01/2006 6:59:24 AM PST by SandRat
BISBEE — To some, they are grass-roots citizen activists who are helping bring much-needed attention to the problem of border security. To others, they are vigilantes who fan the flames of xenophobia and intolerance.
Either way, the Minuteman Project is back and ready to send 1,200 of its Civil Defense Corps volunteers into the Arizona desert for a month-long border vigilance campaign beginning today.
“We’re going to get out there and do the same thing we’ve always done: observe, spot and report,” said Al Garza, the national executive director of the Minutemen and a resident of Huachuca City. “And we’re not going to let up, no matter what anybody says.”
The group kicks off its 2006 operations with a noontime rally at a private ranch south of Three Points that will feature speeches from state Rep. Russell Pearce, Republican gubernatorial candidate Don Goldwater and Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever, among others. Following the event, an estimated 1,200 volunteers will fan out across the Arizona-Mexico border in hopes of spotting and reporting illegal crossers.
Minuteman chapters also plan monthlong patrols starting Saturday in border areas in Texas, New Mexico, California and Washington. Weeklong patrols are planned in New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.
And while the Minutemen will focus their patrols this year on the Altar Valley, Garza said Cochise County, the center of last year’s activities, would not be left out.
“I’m going to see how many people I’ve got and then I’ll come out probably late Saturday or early Sunday and stretch out a line in the Huachucas and the Naco area,” he said.
Cecile Lumer, a pro-migrant activist from the local Citizens for Border Solutions group, joined in an ACLU-sponsored effort last year to monitor the Minutemen in Cochise County for civil rights abuses. She said she would be doing the same this year.
“We’re not hiding or anything — we go out there and watch them and they know we’re there,” she said. “Basically, it’s to see that they don’t harm anybody.”
Border Patrol Tucson Sector spokesman Johnny Bernal said the Minutemen have so far been respectful of civil rights and U.S. law. He said his agency is not overly concerned with the volunteers’ return to Arizona, as long as they don’t overstep any bounds.
“As far as going out and enforcing any kind of law, we don’t want anyone who hasn’t been trained in law enforcement to be doing that,” he said. “But if all they are going to be doing is calling in illegal activity, then we welcome those calls.”
Some Minutemen will again pack sidearms, but they’re under strict instructions not to draw their guns or to confront or talk to border crossers. They are just to call the Border Patrol, said Stacey O’Connell, who is in charge of the group’s chapter in Arizona.
This should make things interesting after the past week of student protests.
God Bless our true Patriots!
Thanks for caring about America, Americans, the American flag, and our Troops!!!
For the most part, they go to the border and stand around part of the day smoking pot.
Does anybody still have that picture of the ACLU watchers sitting out in the desert toking up? It is a classic!
I just posted asking about that picture. Thanks for putting it up. It's one of my favorites.
If you want that photo you better grab it quick. When I Googled "ACLU dopers" it was the only result that came up.
Only to those who either don't know the meaning of the word "vigilante" or are unaware of what the Minutemen actually do.
Why don't we establish a Free Republic Award for Patriotism or Civil Defense or something along those lines? Then maybe design a patch so all of the border watchers whether they be Minutemen or whoever it is awarded to, can wear the patch on there coats and shirts.
Anyway just a thought...
FRee Republic!
America, like Iraq, is unable to protect and defend its gorders. Try sneaking into Red China. Or India.
The illegals and their supporters are doing a very good job of that themselves.
To some the minutemen are a blessing, to others they are a curse.
Depends on whether or not you are an alien trying to sneak into the country illegally or if you are an American citizen with some sense.
I think just about any law enforcement activity against against mexican lawbreakers is going to fan the flames of xenophobia and intolerance on the part of some hispanics. And if it doesn't, I'm sure the ACLU will get out there and fan the flames themselves.
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