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Minutemen opponents hold rally
Oct 8, 2005, 10:04 PM

FALFURRIAS - Some angry residents bring a personal message to the Minutemen in South Texas. The Minutemen have been patrolling in South Texas for more than a week now.

A newly formed civil rights coalition went to their headquarters in Falfurrias Saturday. The group wants to remind the Minutemen those immigrants have rights as well.

Jesse Castellanos rides to a place where eyes are always watching for illegal immigrants. For a week, the Minutemen have roamed South Texas ranch land and Castellanos heads to the group's headquarters for answers.

"I have a question for you guys...are you racist?" asked Castellanos. No one answers from behind the gates. But the sign says all you need to know. It said, "No trespassing. Violators will be shot. Survivors will be shot again."

Castellanos and his group hope that's not the way the Minutemen treat illegal immigrants. The Contra-Minutemen Coalition come to Falfurrias warning they too are watching. While the group tried to gather on the highway in front of the private ranch they scattered after the Minutemen called authorities.

"A minutemen spokesperson told 6 News, they have no plans to stop patrolling this vast, brushy area of South Texas . Despite all the protestors, they will stay here another three weeks. During that time, the Minutemen said they'll only observe and report illegal immigrant activity. But the coalition feels otherwise.

"I've run into the KKK before. The only difference is these people are showing their face," said Castellanos. The coalition also wants all residents in South Texas to call authorities if they believe the Minutemen have trampled on anyone's rights.