http://news.yahoo.com/s/koco/20051105/lo_koco/3041866

Oklahomans Getting Involved

Fri Nov 4, 9:06 PM ET

They call themselves patriots, but others use different words -- like 'vigilantes.'

Whatever you think of the Minutemen, they said they won't stop watching the U.S.-Mexico border.

In October, thousands of members fanned out across the border from California to Texas to watch for and report illegal aliens crossing into the United States.

The group numbers in the thousands these days, although only six months ago it was comprised of just a few hundred. Many Oklahomans have signed up as well.

The Minutemen say they're only doing what the government isn't.

The group is armed with binoculars and communication devices. They watch and wait, these days in South Texas after a campaign was waged last April in Arizona.

"Fresh tracks right here," said Dr. Michael Vickers, a rancher and veterinarian. "Here's that trail. That's not a cattle trail; that's a human trail."

Vickers said at least 1,000 illegal immigrants trek through this land every night, leaving behind broken fences and garbage.

"These people are being victimized," he said. "Us as ranchers are being victimized by the tremendous amount of violence and destruction to our property."

Vickers added, "Many illegal immigrants who come to this country are searching for a better way of life but many who live in this area say they are destroying their livelihood in the process."

At a campsite used by illegals on Vickers' land, the garbage is everywhere -- and so is the danger for those trying to gain entry.

"We have found camps," Vickers said. "Out here on some of these ranches, camps just like this one where there is an indication that there was a big fight. Blood everywhere. We've also found some areas where bodies have been drug to the highway just to keep from alerting authorities to these campgrounds while buzzards and predators feed on the carcass."

Crossing into the United States through Highway 281 is a treacherous proposition. Once across the Rio Grande, illegals are picked up and driven north. However, 70 miles up to 281, there's another checkpoint.

That's where illegal aliens are dropped off to face the tough terrain on their own. It can be unforgiving to the unprepared.

"And they get on this pathway and head north to go around and skirt the checkpoint," Vickers said. "Then they come out either on the highway or other designated Farm-to-Market roads or other locations north of the checkpoint. Catch their ride to Houston or Austin or San Antonio or Oklahoma City."

For October, this is Minutemen headquarters. Volunteers will spread out at night, playing a cat-and-mouse game. However, they said this is not only about people looking for a better way of life.

"We're looking at terrorism. We're looking at diseases coming in here. We are looking at a lot of violent people coming in here. A huge number of these people coming in have criminal records. And we have absolutely nothing to gain and everything to lose by allowing this situation to continue," Vickers said.

To many, however, there is some question as to who's winning the war.

During the month-long campaign the Texas Minutemen said they reported 700 illegal immigrants crossing the border. They said it's a sign their efforts are paying off, or at least forcing illegals to find a new route to cross.