Rights activists seeking to halt citizen border patrols
Posted on 12/28/2002 2:24:22 AM PST by MeekOneGOP
Rights activists seeking to halt citizen border patrols
New governor urged to stop groups that try to curb illegal crossings
12/28/2002
PHOENIX - Immigrants rights activists are urging Arizona's incoming governor to stop citizens groups that patrol border areas looking for illegal immigrants and smugglers.
Members of the Border Action Network asked Gov.-elect Janet Napolitano earlier this month to investigate the legality of the armed groups and their actions, which are aimed at curbing illegal border crossings.
"It's not their job to defend, to harass people, stalk people, injure people. That's nobody's job," said Jennifer Allen, co-director of the Tucson-based organization. "They [illegal immigrants] have civil rights and human rights that take precedence over defending the country."
There are now at least three citizens groups patrolling the Arizona-Mexico border, which has been one of the most active spots in the nation for illegal crossings during the last few years.
In at least one instance, one group seized about 280 pounds of marijuana from smugglers crossing a private ranch.
So far, there has been no known violence linked to the groups.
However, officials have warned of the potential for someone to get hurt during encounters between the groups and illegal immigrants or smugglers.
Human rights groups, such as the Arizona Civil Liberties Union and the Office of Peace and Justice, are backing activists opposing the citizens groups' actions, as are some local government officials and border residents.
"We are a government of law," said Pamela K. Sutherland, legal director of the Arizona Civil Liberties Union. "The vigilantism and lawlessness they [citizens militias] represent cannot be tolerated and we won't let their behavior go unchecked."
Members of the patrol groups said Wednesday that they have taken defensive measures because law enforcement has failed them.
"Citizens would not feel they have to do this if our elected officials were doing their job in providing security," said Chris Simcox, organizer of a militia called Civil Homeland Defense.
"We are humans who understand the plight of people who are fleeing Mexico, but it is not a situation we will tolerate," Mr. Simcox said.
Southern Arizona rancher Roger Barnett said he patrols his land to protect against people who are breaking the law. Mr. Barnett has on occasion confronted illegal immigrants and held them for authorities.
"There's no law down here. It's a dangerous place," he said. "These people who come in, they tear up the environment, they'll drive down the road like a crazy person. Everyone is in danger of these people. They're lawbreakers."
Border Action Network is also urging the government to investigate several incidents in which immigrants were killed or injured, including five cases from this year.
They include an October case where unknown gunmen opened fire on a group of illegal immigrants in Red Rock. Authorities are investigating whether smugglers were responsible for the shootings.
Ms. Napolitano's office received the organization's report on the patrol groups Wednesday but has yet to review it, said Napolitano spokeswoman Kris Mayes.
"There is no room in Arizona for vigilanteism," said Ms. Mayes.
bump
At least this jerk knows and admits what his priorities are.
I wish you would be more concerned about IMMIGRATION law instead of some make-believe right to come to this country illegally...
Say WHAT??! You best check yo sheeat, chick... That doesn't translate well over to the Islamic terrorist situation...
What does anybody wanna bet that Allen and all the rest of these activist bimbos quoted above do NOT have property on the border and are NOT affected adversely in the least by illegal border crossing.
I say more power to the Civil Homeland Defense and all the other groups of U. S. citizens getting fed up with political inpotence and foolishness, and doing something about their own damn property. I tell you what, if/when I live down there you better believe I'll be out there patroling my own property at least...
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