Thread: Minutemen Opponents Stage Rally in Texas

http://www.team4news.com/Global/story.a ... 8&nav=0w0v

FALFURRIAS
Minutemen Opponents Stage Rally
Oct 29, 2005, 06:52 PM
Reported by Andrea Conklin

Passionate politics have invaded the small town of Falfurrias. But the battle march through these streets is now being led by those who oppose the minutemen's presence in South Texas.

But what may be just noise to some is a family affair for Rolando and Belia Zepeda, who brought their children here all the way from Edinburg.

"I want them to be aware of this," says Rolando. "If we let it continue this way and it grows, it's going to affect our children. That's why we're here today."

The Zepeda's say they're worried about how far the Minutemen will go to crack down on immigration and what kind of racism they may bring with them.

"Let the Border Patrol do their job. They were hired to do it and they have certain standards and guidelines. But these Minutemen, they have free rule, who knows what they're going to be doing."

Even seven-year old, Marco, is ready to carry on the message.

"So that we can let the good people live," he tells us.

The minutemen have been in the Falfurrias area for nearly a month now. But even as they watch illegal immigrants, this coalition of civil rights groups says its watching them.

The so-called "Contra Minuteman Coalition" claims it’s had its own members patrolling the area.

"We've got people who are obtained as legal observers to document any abuses that they're committing," said organizer Mike Chavez.

But though the presence of rival political groups has brought out extra security, local law enforcement tells us they've had no reason to step in.

And as different as the minutemen and their opposition seem, their messages remain strikingly similar.

"We need to get the federal government to do its job," said Chavez

"We need to get the federal government to do its job," said Chavez

That's the LAST thing you want to happen, MIKE.