Minuteman leader unfazed by protesters at Georgetown

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Chris Simcox, founder of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, yesterday braved dozens of protesters at Georgetown University to criticize the U.S. government's failure to craft legislation to stem border crossings by illegal aliens.

He also called for an increase on visa caps to deter the flow of illegal aliens into the country.

"I would much rather bring in more legal immigrants -- people who desire to be American citizens," Mr. Simcox told about 200 students at Copley Hall.

Mr. Simcox, a former kindergarten teacher who co-founded the border-vigil movement, blamed drug smugglers for fueling the country's illegal immigration problem. He said his group, which organizes civilian border patrols, will continue to pressure the U.S. government to increase security.

"One thing that's clear is we're fed up with both parties," Mr. Simcox said. "If they don't get their act together, they're going to be hit with the most viable, legitimate, third-party movement in this country's history."

Mr. Simcox invited Georgetown students to take "field trips" to the U.S.-Mexico border to view the "human misery," which he said includes the bodies of those illegally trying to cross the Arizona desert.

Protesters stormed the stage during a similar speech last month at Columbia University by Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist.

Yesterday's rally, which was organized by the student-run Georgetown University Lecture Fund (GULF), drew dozens of protesters who said the group promotes hatred and violence against Hispanics. They remained outside, but could be heard chanting during Mr. Simcox's speech.

About 10 minutes into the speech, a fire alarm was set off as a prank, university officials said. Mr. Simcox was not flustered or panicked by the interruption, and he continued his speech several minutes later.

Several students said Mr. Simcox made a rational argument, but freshman Jeffrey Bien said he "sugarcoated" many sides of the debate.

"He was very eloquent, but he talked around many questions," added sophomore Buky Bamigboye.