Pure chutzpah

16 illegal immigrants actually have the unmitigated gall to sue an Arizona ranch owner who apprehended them trespassing on his land and turned them over to ICE.

Worse, they've actually convinced Federal Judge John Roll that their case has enough merit to go forward.

I can't see why. None of the illegals were harmed in any way, save for their unlawful journey through the man's private land being interrupted.

"Mr. [Roger] Barnett told The Washington Times in a 2002 interview that he began rounding up illegal immigrants after they started to vandalize his property, northeast of Douglas along Arizona Highway 80. He said the immigrants tore up water pumps, killed calves, destroyed fences and gates, stole trucks and broke into his home"

If law enforcement and immigration officials aren't going to give Mr. Barnett any help, I can certainly see how he'd certainly be justified in protecting his property himself.

"The lawsuit said he then called his wife and two Border Patrol agents arrived at the site. It also said Mr. Barnett acknowledged that he had turned over 12,000 illegal immigrants to the Border Patrol since 1998."

Why isn't Barnett immediately made head of the Border Patrol? That man gets results.

All kidding aside, that outrageous number starkly defines the magnitude of the problem that Barnett was dealing with. Imagine a small city's worth of people tramping all over your property on a regular basis.

We here at the Muckraker hope that the jury sees this lawsuit for the travesty of justice that it is, and returns a favorable verdict for Mr. Barnett in record time.

"'This is my land. I´m the victim here,' Mr. Barnett said. 'When someone´s home and loved ones are in jeopardy and the government seemingly can´t do anything about it, I feel justified in taking matters into my own hands. And I always watch my back.'"

Absolutely.