KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A group that has drawn national attention for its patrols on the United States-Mexico border has found an ally while it responds to charges of racism.

Last week, several civic leaders criticized the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, accusing the group of having an underlying racist agenda.

On Tuesday, a member of the People's Alliance for Latino Advancement out of Wichita, Kan., defended the Minuteman group.

"I support what the Minutemen are doing. They're not racist. We're not on the same page on everything, but pretty much we're here to make sure we have a secure border," said Bob Hernandez with the People's Alliance.

Hernandez also called for reform in Mexico to reduce the flow of people trying to cross the border.