Posted on 11/02/2007 2:07:09 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
Armed Volunteers Search Private Property Along Border
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- KSAT reporters got a chance to talk with a group of volunteer border guards that split from the more-known Minutemen.
Group members said they don't want vigilantes, just to keep the law along the border.
"We don't want anybody that has any prejudice or any scores to settle," said Dr. Michael Vickers, leader of the Texas Border Volunteers.
The Falfurrias veterinarian said the group broke away from the Minutemen a couple of years ago and consists mostly of retired military and law enforcement workers who were once Minutemen. He said the 300-strong group searches the U.S.-side of the border on moonlit nights for smugglers and illegal immigrants -- many of whom become lost or disoriented.
He said the group found a family of four dehydrated and lost in the desert.
"These people are lucky they found us or we found them," said Vickers. "Another day, they might have laid down and died."
He said that, when they find illegal immigrants, they call U.S. Border Patrol and the National Guard but never enforce the law.
"We're out to report criminal activity on private property," said Vickers, who said ranchers donate to the group for peace of mind.
He said that, along with GPS technology, they use some low-tech tricks. Vickers said the group sets up piles of rocks at holes in the border fence so they can quickly see if anyone has been through the hole.
The work, Vickers said, makes the Texas Border Volunteers sitting ducks for often dangerous criminals.
"A lot of these people are carrying guns and firearms, and they're willing to use them to keep from losing their property," said Vickers. "So we have to protect ourselves by being more concealed and by being more mobile."
Volunteers said they've had to pull their weapons several times, but so far, haven’t shot anyone.
Volunteers said that despite the group's less-vindictive approach compared to the Minutemen, critics and the border patrol said armed civilians shouldn’t be doing the work of authorities.
Sounds like the United States Militia is doing its job!
Undocumented Border Patrol Ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
One of the intents of the Second Amendment.
Ping.
ping
Back a year ago when they were high profile, a lot of lawyers and other anti-American types kept shadowing the Minutemen, hoping to find someone who would trip up and do something wrong.
Is that shadowing still going on?
Yes.
“Is that shadowing still going on?”
I believe it is to a lesser degree.
However, “THEY” have found no incidents of racism or physical harm when groups like MCDC and Texas Border Volunteers, Inc. operate.
“THEY” are the ones that do not afford groups like ours free speech during speaking engagements or debates.
“THEY” are the racists!
Linda Vickers
www.texasbordervolunteers.org
“Life may not be what you wished for, but while you are here you might as well dance.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.