There have long been vigilantes harassing border crossers and communities, but this year has seen an alarming increase in their activity and visibility. For example, in April, a new group called the “Minuteman Project" stepped into the national spotlight when several hundred recruits gathered in Arizona to patrol the border. Only months later, they are expanding their activities into California, Texas and several other states
throughout the country.

Although the Minuteman Project and other vigilante groups have been very skillful at portraying themselves as no more than well-meaning "neighborhood watch groups,” their efforts to “protect” our borders include taking the law into their own hands and using fear, intimidation and violent tactics. Moreover, many of these groups have documented ties to known hate groups.

Please write to your Congressional Representatives and Senators, urging them to take a stand against vigilante groups such as the Minuteman Project, making clear that their activities are not welcome in any community.