TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA (June 27, 2005) – Chris Simcox, President of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, has been contacted by al-Jazeera personnel requesting an interview and filming access to the Minuteman operations during the upcoming 4th of July weekend patrols near Arivaca, Arizona. Mr. Simcox has declined to be interviewed by this entity and has informed them they are not welcome to accompany the Minuteman civilian border watch efforts.
“We treasure the First Amendment in America, but Al-Jazeera has provided aid and comfort to the terrorist enemies of America. They broadcast in full statements from al Qaeda leadership to their terrorist cells worldwide. Reports show that Al-Jazeera personnel have been kicked out of Iraq and some even arrested for their complicity in bombings that have killed Americans,” said Simcox.
Al-Jazeera has informed Mr. Simcox that they will be filming a one-hour special to highlight the state of security along the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico, with or without the participation of the Minuteman organization. This will include information on the “catch and release” policy of I.C.E. and the U.S. Border Patrol for what they refer to as OTMs – “Other Than Mexicans.”
“Would America have allowed Japanese and German television to reconnoiter the unsecured U.S. borders during World War II?” Simcox continued.
Mr. Simcox has contacted the offices of Arizona U.S. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl and will be contacting the Arizona delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Perhaps Senator McCain or other Arizona politicians would like to come down to the border next weekend, stand in front of our formidable three-strand barbed wire border fence and explain to al-Jazeera just how secure the United States borders really are,” Simcox continued.
Mr. Simcox has notified the U.S. Border Patrol. The Department of Homeland security will also be notified today.
