Schwarzenegger added that the concept is a good one. "It just shows that it works," he said.

"Our federal government is not doing their job," Schwarzenegger continued. "It's a shame that the private citizen has to go in there and start patrolling our borders."

Schwarzenegger’s strong endorsement comes on the heels of his recent comments that California should "close the borders" – a comment he quickly retracted and apologized for.

The Minutemen are thrilled by Schwarzenegger’s endorsement, the first major official to endorse their efforts.

"Governor Schwarzenegger is the most responsible politician in the West," said Grey Deacon, a member of the group, who spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle. "He is willing to stand up for what is correct in America."

Deacon told the paper that the Minutemen will begin patrolling the border in California by Oct. 1. The group is currently monitoring a stretch of the U.S.-Mexican border in Arizona.

Schwarzenegger blasted the federal government for causing the problem, saying we "owe it to the people to secure the borders ... they're not doing their job. They're leaving it way open, anyone can walk across. It's not just the problem of immigrants. It's also a problem that any terrorists can come in."

Schwarzenegger also expressed misgivings as to why President Bush had criticized the Minutemen.

"I really cannot tell you exactly what his thinking is," Schwarzenegger told his radio audience. "The next time I see him, I will have this conversation."

Editor's note: