Here's something I wrote up recently for a group new to dealing with the Minutemen Project. It is not comprehensive, and deals mainly with California, but perhaps it can be of use to those looking for more information.
The Minuteman Project was founded by Jim Gilchrist and Chris Simcox. Gilchrist is from Aliso Viejo, CA, and after 9-11 he had a mental breakdown and became obsessed with immigration issues (by his own admission). Simcox is based in Tombstone, AZ. He previously ran a vigilante group called something like the Civilian Homeland Defense. He also bought a local paper, the Tombstone Tumbleweed and used it as a platform to rant about immigration. It was boycotted by residents and went bankrupt. Simcox isn't allowed into California because of a previous firearms violation conviction that occurred when he was out being a vigilante.
In April they launched a two-week patrol of the border in Arizona. Despite all the media attention and claims of thousands coming in, less than 800 Minutemen cycled through during that period. 80% were armed and several documented members of white supremacist groups participated. Their major talking points were concerns about "terrorism", migrants hurting the economy and using up social services, and the exploitation of undocumented workers (aren't they so kind?).
This opened a floodgate of sorts and since the April patrol over 40 Minutemen imitator groups have popped up around the country. It also prompted a flurry of anti-immigrant legislation. Colorado, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and California all have anti-immigrant initiatives or legislation pending. Arizona, which already passed Prop. 200 in Nov. '04, which required proof of citizenship to use public services, has 18 such pieces of legislation.
In CA, the main initiative is the CA Border Police Initiative, backed by Ray Haynes and Rescue California, the same group who backed Schwarzenegger in the recall. John Campbell initially backed it, but has pulled back recently during his run for Congress against Gilchrist. These people all support the Minutemen, as does Schwarzenegger who invited them and met with them in his office. Simcox has testified before Congress and the Border Patrol is looking at using civilian volunteers. The head of the Border Patrol union backed Gilchrist in the runoff election. All indications suggest that next year will be an even bigger one in terms of the debate around immigration and how to "reform" it.
California this year has seem three waves of vigilantes. The first was the US Border Patrol Auxiliary, then renamed California Minutemen, then renamed Border Watch Federation. This was run by Jim Chase who was with the MMP in April but split later on. He's the most militant and told fellow vigilantes to bring sniper rifles and machetes. They were around in Campo, CA, from 7/18 to 8/8 and were effectively shut down by protesters. Rumor has it they have found a permanent training site near Campo and randomly announce patrols in the area. They are trying to extend to become a national federation.
The second group was Friends of the Border Patrol run by Andy Ramirez. He timed the launch for 9/16 to coincide with Mexico's Independence Day. He said it would be an open-ended patrol along the whole CA border and that he had received thousands of inquiries and at least 700 applications. Only two dozen showed up. They put off the patrol for two weeks and then went underground after our group and others gave them a hearty unwelcome in San Diego. They recently canceled their patrol after an internal dispute.
The actual Minuteman Project patrolled the CA for the month of October, along with all states on the border with Mexico and a few on the border with Canada (to prove they're not racists, eh?). By this time, due to a split between Simcox and Gilchrist (lots of splitting), they were known as the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps. Gilchrist took the MMP name and has started a project called "Operation Spotlight" to reveal and prosecute employers of undocumented workers. Their turnout was lower than expected, but so was the resistance to them. Like the rest, they were unsuccessful, claiming only three "apprehensions." (Chase claimed two, Andy never said - so we're guessing 0.)
Now that their big October is over, it's unclear what they're planning. A lot of energy was put into Gilchrist's campaign. A lot has been lost because of the massive amount of infighting. My guess is they will try to regroup and reenergize for the coming debate next year over immigration. It's seems they've lost momentum, but their base is still fired up.
A final noteworthy group is Save Our State, founded by Joe Turner and based in Los Angeles. Their main task seems to be harassing day laborer centers. They have documented ties with white supremacists, including the National Alliance. A memorable moment occurred at a rally of theirs in Laguna Beach when the Nazis in their ranks unfurled several large flags with swastikas on them.
Wherever these types go, they have been met with resistance. Our group has been in contact and developed ties with all sorts of groups from around the country and the continent - a lot of good connections have been made.
Further reading:
LA Weekly - Minuteman Divisions
Southern Poverty Law Center
Delete the Border
right now they are busy harrassing migrant workers in herndon, virginia. have you heard about it? the gov built a day labor center to centralize everything because the 7/11 where they met in the morning was having problems. so these racist minutemen are down there every morning at 7am to cause trouble. such wonderful people.
Posted by: Daedalus | December 20, 2005 at 03:01 PM