Minutemen Do as They Say

In its second day of operations, the civilian volunteer Minuteman Project claimed to have aided the Border Patrol in the apprehension of 141 illegal aliens along the Arizona border and deterred many more from attempting to cross from Mexico.

With the project gaining favorable attention, a city official from New Mexico announced he would like to expand the project to his state.

While President Bush and other officials have characterized the Minutemen as "vigilantes" and Mexico's President Vicente Fox has threatened them with prosecution, the group is getting more favorable attention from some media outlets and radio talk-show hosts impressed with their composure, discipline and orderliness.

These people are succeeding. The organization and professionalism of all involved is even beginning to win over the skeptics. Prediction: this is only going to grow in size and scope.