Border Patrol spokesmen, if not all Border Patrol agents, oppose the citizens project to patrol the Arizona-Mexico border. "The possibility for something going drastically wrong is very high," opined Border Patrol spokesman Jose Maheda. There is a possibility that something might go "drastically wrong" with the Minuteman project. But something already has gone drastically wrong with the protection of America's borders: they were left open and lawbreakers crossed them with impunity. At least for the month of April, when Minutemen will be stationed every hundred yards or so for twenty-three miles, something drastically right will happen: few migrants will enter the country illegally through that corridor. Ironically, had the Border Patrol hierarchy, which decries the Minutemen, and the president, who labels them "vigilantes," done their jobs, there would be no Minutemen.

Isn't that the age old liberal way of doing things? Don't come up with solutions, just criticize those who decide to act, and then blame them for the problems that continue to occur (or the past problems as well).

Indeed, there probably will be a problem or two, and they will be there, pointing their fingers, "see, we told you..."

If everyone just listened to the government, in their infinite wisdom, we'd all be fine right?

Citizens on Patrol? This is another installment of the Police Academy movies waiting to happen.

thats exactly what popped into my head too

Fresh from my debate about airlines, this actually reminds me of the Air Florida plane that hit the 14th Street Bridge back in the 80s.

There were several survivors drowning and freezing to death, but still alive, out in the Potomac, and no one would do anything. It took forever to get rescue helicopters there, and when they finally DID arrive, they were just too slow in the rescue operation. Finally, unable to take it anymore, 2 brave guys jumped into the water to try to save the poor people that were drowning.

I can't help but think that these 2 guys, if it happened today, might be sued or prosecuted for interfering in a rescue operation. I'm tired of the "stay out of it, let the professionals do their job" mentality. While this would certainly apply to a neurosurgeon, in areas like crime control I think civic responsibility should be considered a virtue and encouraged.

We rely on the cops to keep the peace and prevent crime in our communities and what does it get us? Does crime go down? These guys aren't Charles Bronson, they're just everyday guys that see a HORRIBLE oversight and can't take it anymore.

So true, so true. Immigrations officials (specifically at the Border Patrol) and the President are playing politics with our national security.

What the Minutemen are doing, is pro-actively calling them on it.

From what I’ve heard and read, the “rank and file” border patrolmen feel that the higher ups have tied their hands and limited them from doing their jobs. And, that most of them welcome the help.

In fact, there have been many border patrolmen killed in the line of duty trying to secure our country from lawless and truly criminal illegals.

If I didnt rely on my job too much, I would be down there with my .45 Colt.

I don't think they are armed James.

I know they are not, but I would be if I was down there.

Yes they are allowed to carry weapons for self defense. The Minutemen are forbidden contact with any suspected illegals/unducoumenteds/(insert euphamism here) who are under no such prohibition. Weapons must be carried in accordance with Arizona law, ie exposed unless you have an Arizona concealed carry permit.

"All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men (and women) to stand by and do nothing"

Clayton Cramer found -
*Nice article in the Arizona Republic*
On Wednesday, just two days before the Minutemen assembled on the Arizona-Mexico border, the head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection hightailed it to Tucson to announce a "comprehensive strategy" to secure the border. Suddenly, Arizona is getting 534 new Border Patrol agents. Suddenly, Arizona is getting 23 aircraft to patrol the border, to bolster the 15 here. So urgent is the need, that 155 officers are en route. "The point is, we're determined to take control of our border," Robert Bonner, the border commissioner, said.

Well, that's novel.

Bonner said Wednesday's announcement had nothing to do with the prospect of hundreds of people headed to the banks of the San Pedro River to "help" the government do what it has been unable to do.

Of course it didn't. This administration and this Congress have been determined to take control of the border for years now.