Minuteman Project Volunteer Interview: Part I

Below is Part I of my exclusive interview with Steve Hall, who was one of the Minuteman Project volunteers at the Arizona-Mexico border. Steve worked closely with the project’s founder, Jim Gilchrist. As many deem our porous borders to be one of our clearest and most present dangers, in this time of terrorist activities against us, I believe it is equally important to keep this US citizen project alive.

Sher: Steve, what led you to get involved with the Minuteman project?

Steve: “Sher, thank you for an opportunity to report my experience with the Minuteman Project. About two months prior to the MMP start date, my wife and I were watching the FOX news network. Jim Gilchrist was being interviewed by Hannity and Colmes. The project appeared to be something that was worthwhile and my wife said I might want to look into it. I went to the project's website and read that Ham Radio operators were needed to help with communications. I emailed the project and was then asked to phone Jim Gilchrist directly, which I did. Jim was one of the founders of the Minuteman Project. The project was to be an equivalent to the Neighborhood Watch program but on an international level.”

Sher: As at least one of our liberal brethren has cast doubts as to why volunteers would become involved with the Minuteman Project, what type of work do you normally do?

Steve: “During the project a few of us discussed why we were drawn to participate. The average Minuteman and ‘Minutemom’ of which there were many) was aged about 45 to 60. I would guess the income level would be moderate. There were many veterans and individuals formerly in law enforcement. As many of us were Vietnam veterans, we felt this was an extension of our service to our country. We are motivated by a concern that we are being invaded. As far as myself, I am a salesman dealing with electronics and communications equipment. My primary motivation was to close the border to those that would break our federal laws by not applying to become an American citizen in a legal manner. Many of my friends are legal immigrants, and I admire them for having become U.S. citizens. Within our group were doctors, engineers, individuals in many service industries; a very diverse group. Based on occupation and race, you could not find a more diverse group.”

Sher: Can you tell me about the reports of Mexican police steering the would-be illegal entrants away from the area patrolled by the Minuteman Project to other areas where it would be easier for them to cross? To your knowledge, are those reports true?

Steve: “Yes, some on the border did observe what we believed to be the Mexican military, trucking illegal aliens to and from the Naco border crossing. One must assume the government is assisting Mexicans in their efforts to cross. Clearly the Mexican government is encouraging their citizens to break U.S. law.”

Sher: Did you or any of the other volunteers have and report any problems with the ACLU’s legal monitors?

Steve: “The ACLU was quite evident during our project. In many areas where we had observation points, the ACLU would set up a similar point 50 to 75 yards away to observe us. There was little contact between the groups. Indirectly the ACLU aided out project. Our objective was to be seen by those that would cross illegally. From across the border, our numbers look larger than they were due to the ACLU presence. As there was typically little or no contact, there were no problems.”

Sher: How long did you assist at the border? Did you, personally, assist the Border Patrol in apprehending any of those attempting illegal entry into the US?

Steve: “I had been in contact with the project for about six weeks prior to the start date of April 1. I was involved in planning of the radio communications effort that would allow our base, at the Miracle Valley Bible College to stay in radio contact with the groups in the field. We maintained a 24 hour radio watch to provide assistance to those in the field should there be a medical emergency of either our members or illegal aliens and to contact the Border Patrol as needed. I arrived April 1 and stayed on site until April 20. My time was spent split between being in the field as an observer and organizing the radio communications center. I was involved in sightings and reports to the Border Patrol. But please understand that as a group, our job was to observe and report only. We received training that specified that we were not to approach, contact or hinder anyone coming across the border. The only exception was to render aid to an illegal if there was a medical emergency. Anyone that did not follow these rules strictly was removed from the project immediately. We were not on the border to break any laws.” To be continued…

(Part II of my Interview with Steve Hall will appear Friday)