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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: bentway who wrote (510652)	12/16/2003 12:48:53 AM
From: Rick McDougall	Respond to of 769670

Executive Summary of “Hate or Heroism: Vigilantes on the Arizona-Mexico Border” a Forthcoming Report on Border Vigilante Groups Produced by Border Action Network Full Report to be released Wednesday, December 18, 2002 on International Migrant Rights Day Introduction Clad in camouflage fatigues with home-made "badges", using high-tech equipment and operating out of secret "headquarters", anti-immigrant vigilante groups in southern Arizona are taking the law into their own hands. Heavily armed, these groups are rounding up undocumented border crossers at gunpoint, and turning them in to the federal authorities. Among the core vigilante groups operating in Southern Arizona are Douglas rancher Roger Barnett, the Texas-based "Ranch Rescue"; the "American Border Patrol", lead by California-based radio talk show host and self-proclaimed "immigration control activist" Glenn Spencer; and the newly forming "Civilian Homeland Defense", called to arms by the recently transplanted Californian and Tombstone newspaper owner, Chris Simcox. Local vigilantes have been successful at fueling anxieties about terrorism and national security by broadcasting a message that the U.S. is literally "under siege" by immigrants of color and that federal law enforcement agencies have failed to protect citizens from this perceived threat. Arizona vigilantes have created a climate of fear and anxiety that further justifies the aggressive and forceful tactics they claim are necessary to "protect our borders". Preliminary findings from this report show that vigilante groups have a larger political agenda that specifically targets racial groups—from connections with the Council of Conservative Citizens to neo-Nazi organizations such as the National Alliance, as well as lobbying arms, radio programs, a private grant making foundation, “research” institutes, and a printing press that all furthers the political messages of hate against people of color. The media coverage of vigilante activities tends to grant the greatest amount of air time to vigilante leaders, offering a small amount of counter-point coverage to human rights groups protesting the widespread abuse of immigrants along the border. The voices of southern Arizona community members, however, barely register and immigrant voices are silenced altogether. For these reasons, the vigilantes are able to cast their actions as both mainstream and patriotic, and the real human costs of these activities are left unknown to outsiders. For these reasons, the Border Action Network has compiled a report on the border vigilantes that both provides a venue for southern Arizona and immigrant voices to be heard, and exposes the virulent racism and political opportunism of these nationally networked groups posing as local heroes. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: This groundbreaking report brings together research and the voices of border residents, immigrants, law enforcement agents. The report: Exposes Vigilante Groups. The vigilante groups operating in Cochise County today are part of a national network of anti-immigrant and white supremacist lobbyists, media and non-profit organizations that exist to promote the racist doctrine of "white nationalism". Identifies Legal Issues. Border Action's research on vigilantes in Cochise County identifies a number of legal issues involving financial misconduct, public land use, and national security laws. Compiles series of violent incidents that warrant further investigation. Since September 11th, violence against immigrants has escalated in Arizona. Twenty miles south of Tucson, a group of immigrants were fired on by masked attackers. Near Red Rock, two men clad in camouflage fatigues opened fire on a group of twelve immigrants, killing two. In the desert outside of Phoenix, eight bullet -riddled bodies of Mexican immigrants have been found. Near Sasabe, two Arizona ranchers on horseback shot and critically wounded an immigrant in the process of crossing the border. Breaks-down the “security” and “protection” rhetoric. Arizona vigilantes use "national security" rhetoric about “protecting our borders” to justify the aggressive actions towards immigrants. Border Action Network's research shows that the larger agenda of these groups targets all people of color. Furthermore, the groups scapegoat immigrants, blaming them for environmental problems in the region. Our research reveals that these groups conveniently ignore the long-term environmental damage the Border Patrol and border enforcement activities have caused. Includes a brief history of vigilantism in AZ. Southern Arizona has a local history of vigilantism spanning back to the Mexican/American War that continues to draw anti-immigrant aggressors to our region. Incorporates the voices of border residents and immigrants. Border Action’s conversations and interviews have revealed that Roger Barnett and the activities of other vigilante groups do not have support from other border community residents. Shares communities’ success stories. The report highlights the success story of Iowans who forced Glenn Spencer to cancel a state-wide speaking tour to promote his anti-immigrant and racist message across the state. Proposes policy recommendations. The report makes the following RECOMMENDATIONS: Ø The Arizona Attorney General and the Arizona State Land Department should investigate whether Roger Barnett and other state land lease holders have violated the terms of their leases. If lease terms have been violated, leases should be revoked. Ø Significant discrepancies exist between U.S. law enforcement accounts and Mexican consular reports describing the circumstances surrounding civilian apprehensions of immigrants. An independent monitor should be brought to scenes of “apprehensions” to ensure that there is accurate documentation of interactions between civilians and immigrants to account for any criminal or civil violations that may occur. Ø The Arizona Corporation Commission and the Internal Revenue Service should revoke American Border Patrol’s incorporation and non-profit status on the basis of the organization being a “hate group” and other anti-discrimination violations. Ø Congressional hearings should be held in southern Arizona that investigates the actions and threats of violence made by individuals and civilian groups patrolling the border. Ø The state of Arizona and the Department of Justice should investigate the existing allegations of criminal misconduct on the part of vigilante organizations and individuals, as well as other possible violations of domestic laws.