The New Mexico Minutemen started their patrols Saturday along the border.

As KFOX reported, the group of about 40 volunteers are focusing on this stretch of Highway-9 between Santa Teresa and Columbus.

But while they watch for illegal immigrants, LULAC will be watching them.

Officials with the League of United Latin American Citizens say they vehemently oppose the minuteman project.

"It's going to create more problems and it's going to be a headache for law enforcement and the border patrol are doing, catching good numbers, it's their job, not the job of private citizens," said Paul Martinez, LULAC member.

LULAC says the New Mexico volunteers will only exacerbate racial tensions.

But the leader of the New Mexico Minutemen says his group will also help immigrants in distress, not just report them to authorities.