Gov't: Border vigilantes must be subject to law
http://www.el-universal.com.mx/pls/impr ... abla=miami
BY NATALIA GÓMEZ QUINTERO/EL UNIVERSAL
February 26, 2005
EL UNIVERSAL learned on Friday that the Mexican government sent a diplomatic note to the United States earlier this month expressing concern over vigilante activities of anti-immigrant groups on the ArizonaSonora border.
Foreign Relations Secretary (SRE) official Gerónimo Gutiérrez said it was "very probable" that these groups are violating the rights of undocumented migrants. The note urged the United States to ensure that vigilante groups do not break the law when dealing with Mexican migrants, he added.
According to Gutiérrez, the SRE has singled out a group dubbing itself the Minuteman project. Around 500 volunteers have joined the movement, which plans to patrol a 40-mile stretch of the border in April when migrants cross in peak numbers.
The Minuteman project has also billed itself as a sort of adventure experience, saying its volunteers use specialized equipment and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking and horseback riding as they keep an eye out for undocumented migrants and report their locations to the U.S. Border Patrol.
According to the group's website, the cost for 30 days ranges from US200 to US3,500, depending on activities and meals.
U.S. officials are also worried about the Minutemen some of the volunteers plan to arm themselves, and many are untrained and have no experience dealing with border-crossers.
Vigilante groups like the Minutemen have appeared in increasing numbers in Arizona in recent years, despite an increase in the number of Border Patrol agents by the U.S. government. However, they have largely been small, informal groups, unlike the Minuteman project.
Between 1998 and 2004, Mexico has initiated 76 legal cases against vigilantes who have detained Mexican migrants, but only five have made it before a judge.
Gov't: Border vigilantes must be subject to law
http://www.el-universal.com.mx/pls/impr ... abla=miami
BY NATALIA GÓMEZ QUINTERO/EL UNIVERSAL
February 26, 2005
EL UNIVERSAL learned on Friday that the Mexican government sent a diplomatic note to the United States earlier this month expressing concern over vigilante activities of anti-immigrant groups on the ArizonaSonora border.
Foreign Relations Secretary (SRE) official Gerónimo Gutiérrez said it was "very probable" that these groups are violating the rights of undocumented migrants. The note urged the United States to ensure that vigilante groups do not break the law when dealing with Mexican migrants, he added.
According to Gutiérrez, the SRE has singled out a group dubbing itself the Minuteman project. Around 500 volunteers have joined the movement, which plans to patrol a 40-mile stretch of the border in April when migrants cross in peak numbers.
The Minuteman project has also billed itself as a sort of adventure experience, saying its volunteers use specialized equipment and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking and horseback riding as they keep an eye out for undocumented migrants and report their locations to the U.S. Border Patrol.
According to the group's website, the cost for 30 days ranges from US200 to US3,500, depending on activities and meals.
U.S. officials are also worried about the Minutemen some of the volunteers plan to arm themselves, and many are untrained and have no experience dealing with border-crossers.
Vigilante groups like the Minutemen have appeared in increasing numbers in Arizona in recent years, despite an increase in the number of Border Patrol agents by the U.S. government. However, they have largely been small, informal groups, unlike the Minuteman project.
Between 1998 and 2004, Mexico has initiated 76 legal cases against vigilantes who have detained Mexican migrants, but only five have made it before a judge.
