http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 70312/1002

Article published Mar 17, 2006
Controversial 'patriot' speaks on illegal immigration

American Border Patrol member visits Washington County forum
By BRIAN PASSEY
bpassey@ad.gannett.com

ST. GEORGE - Glenn Spencer of American Border Patrol told more than 150 Washington County residents Thursday that it is up to them to stop illegal immigration.

Spencer said most of the movement for immigration reform has come from the local level. His group, American Border Patrol, which is not associated with any government entity, implements technology such as unmanned drones, global positioning systems and educational Web sites to help fight illegal immigration around his hometown, Hereford, Ariz., on the border with Mexico.

"It has been the individual initiative of American citizens that is fighting the problem," he said. "It's up to us."

Linda Jones of St. George was among those in the audience who agreed with what Spencer had to say. "He's confronting a real problem that most of the people here in St. George aren't willing to confront," she said.

Lucia Christensen of St. George said she is of Mexican ancestry but her parents came to the United States legally. She said those who come here illegally are pushing in line ahead of others who use the proper methods.

Phyllis Sears, chairwoman of the Citizens Council on Illegal Immigration, which sponsored Spencer's visit, opened the event by criticizing Americans who employ illegal immigrants for cheap labor. Sears applauded Spencer for doing "battle" on the Arizona border and called him a patriot.

Controversy builds
Some around the nation, however, are not as laudatory of Spencer's actions. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups across the nation, has called him an anti-immigrant hate group leader.

When asked about this designation, Spencer countered by saying the SPLC could not provide evidence. He said the only thing the SPLC would provide was a 1996 letter to The Los Angeles Times, which Spencer said was never published.

On its Web site at www.splcenter.org, the SPLC mentions Spencer's letter in an article about anti-immigration groups. According to the Web site, the letter reads: "The Mexican culture is based on deceit. Chicanos and Mexicanos lie as a means of survival."

Spencer said this line comes from a book by Andreas Oppenheimer, a journalist and Latin America expert. He said it was one line taken out of context and maintained he is not a racist.

But he went on to add that "lying, corruption and deceit are part of the Mexican culture."

During his speech, Spencer also criticized a statement made by Colin Powell, then Secretary of State, saying U.S. citizens share a common culture with Mexico. Spencer questioned why Powell would say U.S. citizens share a common culture with one of the most corrupt nations.

Much of his speech was directed at the Mexican government rather than the Mexican culture. He said the government is teaching its people that they have a right and obligation to come to the American Southwest because it is their land.

And a photo on one of his Web sites - www.americanpatrol.com- shows Spencer burning a Mexican flag. Near the picture he writes, in explanation, "I burned the Mexican flag because Mexico is invading the United States with hostile intent and I can prove it."

Spencer's actions have also brought some unwanted attention. According to an article in the Sierra Vista (Arizona) Herald, shortly after receiving a death threat via e-mail in 2003, Spencer heard noises in his backyard. He took a rifle with him outside to investigate.

Spencer said he fired three shots into the ground in hopes of scaring off any intruders. But one of the bullets went through his neighbor's garage door. He pleaded guilty in 2004 to one charge of endangering persons with a substantial risk of imminent death and was fined $2,500 and sentenced to a year's probation.

Grassroots effort
The U.S. government also got some attention during his speech. Spencer criticized comments by President Bush about making migration safe and orderly.

He also criticized Bush's guest worker plan by saying guest workers will not leave when their time is through. The plan will only create a "little Iraq around us with no right to vote," he said.

That is why Spencer asked the audience to become involved at a grassroots level by contacting Congress and demanding a fence along the border. He also said there should be a military presence along the border.

"We have to stay and fight for our country and tell them to go home and fight for theirs," he said.