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Clear Lake Minuteman, Al Monson watches Mexican boarder
By BOB LINK, Of The Globe Gazette
CLEAR LAKE — Allen Monson spends months at a time in New Mexico on a mission.

During April and October, the 62-year-old Vietnam veteran camped along the U.S./Mexican border, watching for illegal immigrants as they tried to enter the United States

Monson has been a member of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps since 2005.

“We’re just like the Minutemen from 1776,” Monson said. “Basically, we’re a militia, looking out for the good of the country.”

The Minuteman mission statement pledges to help see that borders and coastal boundaries of the United States are secured against the unlawful and unauthorized entry of all individuals, contraband and foreign military.

Like more than 1,500 men and women from across the country, Monson volunteers his time and effort.

“When we see activity, we call the U.S. Border Patrol and they come and get them and send them back,” said Monson.

Corina Robison, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, called the work of the Minutemen helpful.

“It’s pretty simple. They call us with assistance in finding groups. They are not authorized to detain or arrest anyone,” she said.

Robison said it was difficult to determine how many people the Minutemen are responsible for stopping.

“Since they don’t actually detain or apprehend anyone, it is difficult to know,” she said. “But there have been large numbers stopped by the organization.”

Monson said although Minutemen carry pistols, they are only allowed to use them when physically threatened.

Minutemen have no authority to arrest or detain anyone, or have physical contact with illegal immigrants.

“The American Civil Liberties Union has been more worried about the illegal immigrants than they are about Americans,” Monson said.

Monson became interested in the Minuteman organization while watching Bill O’Reilly on the FOX News Network.

“I went to a training session in Arizona, then went out on our first mission in April 2005,” Monson said.

Large spotlights and night vision equipment are used by Minutemen.

“You see a few of them, or a larger group,” he said. “When you shine the light on them, they lay right down.”

Monson is retired after being in the heating and air conditioning business for 34 years. He said Minutemen pay their own expenses.

They camp and cook out in the desert. He uses a camper on his trips.

April and October are key months, as the climate is best for people to move through the desert. Another reason is rattlesnakes aren’t as active during those months.

“You might catch as many as 40 (people) in one night, or not get any for an entire week.”

Monson became involved after a visit to the Southwest.

“I saw what the illegals were doing to people in those areas,” he said.

“People who live along the border are continually robbed,” he said. “And our hospitals, schools and welfare system are also being depleted.”

The work of the Minutemen has been controversial. Monson said President Bush called them vigilantes.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said citizen groups have been helpful.

“We’re all frustrated by the number of illegal aliens streaming across the border every day, which has led many Americans to take it upon themselves to do more,” Grassley said in a written statement to The Globe Gazette.

“I see the efforts of the Minutemen similar to the citizen volunteers we have working with our local police to enforce everyday laws.

“As long as they don’t act like law enforcement officers and beyond their authority, it ought to be a group we work with.”

Reach Bob Link at 421-0538 or bob.link@globegazette.com.