US: Trump threatens to close US-Mexico border over migrant 'onslaught'
What's the story
In another attempt to prevent migrants from entering the US illegally, President Donald Trump threatened yesterday to send the military to close its southern border if Mexico fails to stem the "onslaught" of migrants from Central America. The attack comes less than three weeks before midterm elections and as thousands of migrants from impoverished Honduras were marching toward the US through Guatemala. Here's more.
Twitter Post
Central American leaders doing little to stop migrant caravan: Trump
I am watching the Democrat Party led (because they want Open Borders and existing weak laws) assault on our country by Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, whose leaders are doing little to stop this large flow of people, INCLUDING MANY CRIMINALS, from entering Mexico to U.S.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2018
Twitter Post
Will close border in addition to suspending foreign aid: Trump
....In addition to stopping all payments to these countries, which seem to have almost no control over their population, I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught - and if unable to do so I will call up the U.S. Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2018
Mexico
Trump's hatred towards Mexico had cooled in recent times
The tweets came as Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, prepared to embark on a tour of the region that'll see him visit Mexico ahead of its December inauguration of President-elect, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as well as Panama. Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a keystone of his presidency, but his animus toward Mexico had cooled in recent times with Obrador's election.
Improved relations
Trump, Obrador made progress on many issues, including US-Mexico-Canada Agreement
Despite Trump and Obrador's ideological differences, they have so far been able to make progress on several issues, including the signing of an updated transcontinental trade pact, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). But, possibly with an eye ahead to the forthcoming polls that'll determine whether the White House will continue to set the legislative agenda, Trump appeared willing to return to his previous fiery rhetoric.
Quote
Migrant attack more important than trade or the USMCA: Trump
Further, on the migrant caravan attack, Trump said, "The assault on our country at our Southern Border, including the Criminal elements and drugs pouring in, is far more important to me, as President, than trade or the USMCA."