Anon Poster 1 - Like I briefly said in my last post, I don't propose the instantaneous demolition of the Mexican/American border as a solution to the problem. I would hope that actions such as these would highlight the often inhuman treatment of illegal immigrants and inspire some people to question some of the "borders" that exist between human beings - divisions like racism and nationalism that allow some people to feel superior to others, and therefore deserving of better lives. Many American taxpayers justify not wanting to fund health/education services for illegal immigrants because of sentiments like "Why should I give THEM some of MY hard-earned money" because they don't personally identify with immigrants. But that gets reflected on the macro scale by a system using their taxes to militarily enforce a national border while thousands of lives are ruined or ended because of lack of access to basic needs.

Anon Poster 2 - Marches, sit-ins, and indirect disruptions (like banging drums and flashing lights on vigilantes on the border to disrupt their actions) are nonviolent tactics. Their aims are either to highlight or publicize certain political messages (as in the case of marches) or to directly disrupt the actions of target groups, without physical coercion. I'm not aware of anybody being punched, but if that was so, it was the individual's own action - punching isn't related to the tactics or goals of marches, sit-ins, or indirect disruption. If one person was punched at the Million-Man March, I hardly think anyone could characterize the march itself as a violent action. The point is, the groups involved were engaging in a campaign to raise awareness of border issues, provoke meaningful dialogue (which is happening right here), and to directly intervene in vigilante activities using methods that are far more nonviolent and community-based than toting a gun along the border.
You also speak of vigilantes still being out there. I bet they are. I also bet that the anti-vigilante actions throughout the last year have had a big hand in hampering operations and recruitment and turning the tide of public opinion. That was the goal.

n5667 - Vigilantes can exercise their right of free speech like anyone else, but I'll do what I can to disrupt them from endangering the lives of people crossing the border. That isn't a First Amendment right.

Anon Poster 3 - Very well-put. No, these actions didn't pull up any roots, but hopefully they've expanded upon the grassroots networks that, if they continue to grow, may someday be able to form a more direct challenge the problems at hand. Activism always needs to combine effective direct action with solid, long-term movement building. Think globally, act locally, right?