US President Donald Trump has made immigration a central theme of his administration but has grown increasingly frustrated with the ballooning numbers of mostly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mulling-over-declaring-new-emergency-for-imposing-tariffs-on-mexico-225116">Central American families crossing the US-Mexico border </a>and turning themselves in to US authorities.

A threat of across-the-board tariffs on Mexican goods starting on Monday unless Mexico does more to stop migrants from reaching the United States has led to high-stakes negotiations between the two governments.

Trump has often described the situation as an "invasion" and an "onslaught," blaming it for crime and drugs entering the United States. But the issue of migration on the southwest border is complex and has evolved over the years. Here are answers to some commonly raised questions:&nbsp;

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE CROSSING THE BORDER?&nbsp;

In May, 132,887 people were apprehended at the southwest border, up 30% from April and 229% from May last year. The percentage of people crossing as families has risen even more dramatically.

IS IT REALLY A RECORD?

May was the highest monthly level of crossings since March 2006, but crossings are lower than at previous points in history. The main shift is in demographics. More than 63% of those apprehended in May were children and people travelling as families.

Until this year, arrests for illegal entry at the southwest border had been below half a million annually since 2009, the first time it was that low since 1973, according to government data.&nbsp;

WHY ARE OFFICIALS TALKING ABOUT AN `UNPRECEDENTED CRISIS`?

Previous peaks in illegal border crossings were driven by mainly single, adult Mexicans, and US authorities could return them quickly to Mexico with the use of relatively few resources.&nbsp;

The current surge is primarily families from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Many seek US asylum, which can take months or years because of crushing backlogs in the US immigration court system.&nbsp;

US authorities are limited by law to detaining children for 20 days, and the government lacks family detention space, so many are released into the United States. Since March 19, more than 75,000 family units have been released by Border Patrol.&nbsp;

But before they are released, Border Patrol has to process the families, and officials say their facilities are overwhelmed. A US government watchdog reported "dangerous" overcrowding at one border patrol facility in El Paso, Texas.&nbsp;

At least six minors have died while in US custody or shortly after being released within the past year.&nbsp;

WHAT IS DRIVING CENTRAL AMERICAN FAMILIES TO MIGRATE?

Migrants are fleeing violence, political turmoil and economic distress in their home countries. US officials say word has spread that the United States is releasing families.&nbsp;

Democrats in Washington have criticized Trump for cutting aid to the region in apparent retaliation for the flows of migrants, which they say exacerbates the problems and spurs people to flee.&nbsp;

In Guatemala, for example, one US assistance program under threat was established to keep farmers from abandoning the land and migrating north. 
&nbsp; 
WHAT EFFECT HAVE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION POLICIES HAD?

Shortly after Trump took office in 2017 after a campaign focused on curbing illegal immigration, border apprehensions dropped dramatically, but they ticked back up by the end of the year.

Since then, many of the Trump administration policies aimed at reducing illegal entrants have run into legal hurdles.

The administration`s most divisive policy, "zero tolerance," was aimed at discouraging families by separating detained parents from their children. Worldwide condemnation forced the administration to quickly ditch the policy.

The administration has also tried to discourage migrants by making it more difficult to apply for asylum, but some measures have been blocked in the courts.

In January, the administration began a policy of sending some asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait out their US court hearings. While a judge found the policy likely violated immigration law, it remains in place while the administration appeals the ruling.

Trump declared a national emergency to redirect $6.7 billion from the military and the Treasury to extend a border wall, but a federal judge blocked the initial funds.

HOW DOES TRUMP RESPONSE COMPARE WITH PAST ADMINISTRATIONS?

Trump has said Congress needs to act to update immigration laws that have been on the books through many administrations.

Prior administrations sought to boost assistance to migrants` countries of origin and also constructed barriers along the border.&nbsp;

Former officials have said Trump could adopt measures used by past administrations, including constructing temporary tent housing and beefing up technology. Where past administrations bolstered Border Patrol, resources are now needed in immigration courts, healthcare for migrants, logistics and to improve communication and coordination among agencies.

US President Donald Trump has made immigration a central theme of his administration but has grown increasingly frustrated with the ballooning numbers of mostly Central American families crossing the US-Mexico border and turning themselves in to US authorities.

US President Donald Trump has made immigration a central theme of his administration but has grown increasingly frustrated with the ballooning numbers of mostly Central American families crossing the US-Mexico border and turning themselves in to US authorities. A threat of across-the-board tariffs on Mexican goods starting on Monday unless Mexico does more to stop migrants from reaching the United States has led to high-stakes negotiations between the two governments. Trump has often described the situation as an "invasion" and an "onslaught," blaming it for crime and drugs entering the United States. But the issue of migration on the southwest border is complex and has evolved over the years. Here are answers to some commonly raised questions: HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE CROSSING THE BORDER? In May, 132,887 people were apprehended at the southwest border, up 30% from April and 229% from May last year. The percentage of people crossing as families has risen even more dramatically. IS IT REALLY A RECORD? May was the highest monthly level of crossings since March 2006, but crossings are lower than at previous points in history. The main shift is in demographics. More than 63% of those apprehended in May were children and people travelling as families. Until this year, arrests for illegal entry at the southwest border had been below half a million annually since 2009, the first time it was that low since 1973, according to government data. WHY ARE OFFICIALS TALKING ABOUT AN `UNPRECEDENTED CRISIS`? Previous peaks in illegal border crossings were driven by mainly single, adult Mexicans, and US authorities could return them quickly to Mexico with the use of relatively few resources. The current surge is primarily families from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Many seek US asylum, which can take months or years because of crushing backlogs in the US immigration court system. US authorities are limited by law to detaining children for 20 days, and the government lacks family detention space, so many are released into the United States. Since March 19, more than 75,000 family units have been released by Border Patrol. But before they are released, Border Patrol has to process the families, and officials say their facilities are overwhelmed. A US government watchdog reported "dangerous" overcrowding at one border patrol facility in El Paso, Texas. At least six minors have died while in US custody or shortly after being released within the past year. WHAT IS DRIVING CENTRAL AMERICAN FAMILIES TO MIGRATE? Migrants are fleeing violence, political turmoil and economic distress in their home countries. US officials say word has spread that the United States is releasing families. Democrats in Washington have criticized Trump for cutting aid to the region in apparent retaliation for the flows of migrants, which they say exacerbates the problems and spurs people to flee. In Guatemala, for example, one US assistance program under threat was established to keep farmers from abandoning the land and migrating north. WHAT EFFECT HAVE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION POLICIES HAD? Shortly after Trump took office in 2017 after a campaign focused on curbing illegal immigration, border apprehensions dropped dramatically, but they ticked back up by the end of the year. Since then, many of the Trump administration policies aimed at reducing illegal entrants have run into legal hurdles. The administration`s most divisive policy, "zero tolerance," was aimed at discouraging families by separating detained parents from their children. Worldwide condemnation forced the administration to quickly ditch the policy. The administration has also tried to discourage migrants by making it more difficult to apply for asylum, but some measures have been blocked in the courts. In January, the administration began a policy of sending some asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait out their US court hearings. While a judge found the policy likely violated immigration law, it remains in place while the administration appeals the ruling. Trump declared a national emergency to redirect $6.7 billion from the military and the Treasury to extend a border wall, but a federal judge blocked the initial funds. HOW DOES TRUMP RESPONSE COMPARE WITH PAST ADMINISTRATIONS? Trump has said Congress needs to act to update immigration laws that have been on the books through many administrations. Prior administrations sought to boost assistance to migrants` countries of origin and also constructed barriers along the border. Former officials have said Trump could adopt measures used by past administrations, including constructing temporary tent housing and beefing up technology. Where past administrations bolstered Border Patrol, resources are now needed in immigration courts, healthcare for migrants, logistics and to improve communication and coordination among agencies.

Explainer: How does the situation on the US-Mexico border compare with the past?

United States President Donald Trump is planning to declare a national emergency for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-hopes-to-reach-migration-deal-with-the-united-states-as-tariffs-loom-223935"> slapping new tariffs on Mexico </a>over the flow of migrants into his country, according to a draft document.

The new emergency is necessary due to "the failure of the Government of Mexico to take effective action to reduce the mass migration of aliens illegally crossing into the United States through Mexico," the document said.

Last week, Trump had threatened to impose a five per cent tariff on all Mexican goods, which would increase by another five per cent every month and ultimately reach 25 per cent by October, The Hill reported.

"The United States Government has repeatedly asked the Government of Mexico to take responsibility and help reduce this mass migration. Yet the Government of Mexico has failed to take sufficient action to alleviate this problem, has allowed this mass incursion to increase, and has failed to secure its own southern border," the draft document said.

Representatives of the US and Mexico on Wednesday failed to reach an agreement on the immigration issue during high-stakes negotiations held at the White House.

Shortly after the meeting, Trump had tweeted to inform that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-nearly-enough-progress-made-in-immigration-talks-with-mexico-trump-224814">not nearly enough</a>" progress was made in the negotiations, and reiterated that in case no agreement is reached between the two sides, the tariffs would begin on Monday "as per schedule."

The US President had said that he would carry out his threat under authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and he would lift tariffs only "if the illegal migration crisis is alleviated through effective actions taken by Mexico".

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the US` position has not changed, adding that tariffs will be imposed next week as announced.

"Position has not changed, and we are still moving forward with tariffs at this time," she said in an e-mail statement.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that there`s an influx of drugs and criminals from US` southern border with Mexico. He has used these claims to justify and press for the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump is planning to declare a national emergency for slapping new tariffs on Mexico over the flow of migrants into his country, according to a draft document.

United States President Donald Trump is planning to declare a national emergency for slapping new tariffs on Mexico over the flow of migrants into his country, according to a draft document. The new emergency is necessary due to "the failure of the Government of Mexico to take effective action to reduce the mass migration of aliens illegally crossing into the United States through Mexico," the document said. Last week, Trump had threatened to impose a five per cent tariff on all Mexican goods, which would increase by another five per cent every month and ultimately reach 25 per cent by October, The Hill reported. "The United States Government has repeatedly asked the Government of Mexico to take responsibility and help reduce this mass migration. Yet the Government of Mexico has failed to take sufficient action to alleviate this problem, has allowed this mass incursion to increase, and has failed to secure its own southern border," the draft document said. Representatives of the US and Mexico on Wednesday failed to reach an agreement on the immigration issue during high-stakes negotiations held at the White House. Shortly after the meeting, Trump had tweeted to inform that "not nearly enough" progress was made in the negotiations, and reiterated that in case no agreement is reached between the two sides, the tariffs would begin on Monday "as per schedule." The US President had said that he would carry out his threat under authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and he would lift tariffs only "if the illegal migration crisis is alleviated through effective actions taken by Mexico". Meanwhile, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the US` position has not changed, adding that tariffs will be imposed next week as announced. "Position has not changed, and we are still moving forward with tariffs at this time," she said in an e-mail statement. Trump has repeatedly claimed that there`s an influx of drugs and criminals from US` southern border with Mexico. He has used these claims to justify and press for the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border.

Trump mulling over declaring 'new emergency' for imposing tariffs on Mexico

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 06th, 2019

The head of a Mexican-based church, which claims over 1 million followers worldwide, was ordered held on $50 million bail in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday on charges that included human trafficking, child pornography and rape of a minor.&nbsp;

La Luz Del Mundo (Light of the World) church leader Naason Joaquin Garcia, 50, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, prosecutors said.

Garcia and two of his co-defendants, Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca, did not enter pleas, pending a formal arraignment on June 10. Judge Francis Bennett ordered the defendants to remain in custody until then.&nbsp;

A warrant has been issued for a fourth defendant Rangel Melendez, officials said. All the accused are affiliated with La Luz Del Mundo, prosecutors said. 
Defense lawyer Dmitry Gorin called Garcia`s $50 million bail "outrageous and unreasonable". Garcia`s wife and three children were in the courtroom. 
The church, which considers Garcia to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, called the accusations unfounded.&nbsp;

"The Apostle of Jesus Christ, Brother Naason Joaquin Garcia, has always behaved in accordance with the law and with full respect for the institutions and the dignity of the people," it said in a statement on its website on Wednesday.

`GOING AGAINST GOD`

A 19-page complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, says three minors and one adult woman were abused, with one child and the woman raped. Others were forced to perform sex acts and dances for Garcia wearing "as little clothing as possible", the complaint added.

Girls were told that if they defied Garcia`s desires "they were going against god", the complaint says.

Prosecutors said Garcia and co-defendants committed a total of 26 felonies in south California from 2015 to 2018 in Los Angeles County.&nbsp; 
The victims were not named.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra will hold a news conference on Thursday to discuss the arrest, his office said.

Internet sites say the church has between 1 million and 5 million followers worldwide in more than 50 countries including many followers in the United States.&nbsp;

The church`s roots go back to the 1920s in Mexico, and adheres to nontrinitarianism, rejecting a mainstream Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. It says it adheres to the earliest doctrines of the Christian church teachings.

The head of a Mexican-based church, which claims over 1 million followers worldwide, was ordered held on $50 million bail in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday on charges that included human trafficking, child pornography and rape of a minor.

The head of a Mexican-based church, which claims over 1 million followers worldwide, was ordered held on $50 million bail in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday on charges that included human trafficking, child pornography and rape of a minor. La Luz Del Mundo (Light of the World) church leader Naason Joaquin Garcia, 50, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, prosecutors said. Garcia and two of his co-defendants, Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca, did not enter pleas, pending a formal arraignment on June 10. Judge Francis Bennett ordered the defendants to remain in custody until then. A warrant has been issued for a fourth defendant Rangel Melendez, officials said. All the accused are affiliated with La Luz Del Mundo, prosecutors said. Defense lawyer Dmitry Gorin called Garcia`s $50 million bail "outrageous and unreasonable". Garcia`s wife and three children were in the courtroom. The church, which considers Garcia to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, called the accusations unfounded. "The Apostle of Jesus Christ, Brother Naason Joaquin Garcia, has always behaved in accordance with the law and with full respect for the institutions and the dignity of the people," it said in a statement on its website on Wednesday. `GOING AGAINST GOD` A 19-page complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, says three minors and one adult woman were abused, with one child and the woman raped. Others were forced to perform sex acts and dances for Garcia wearing "as little clothing as possible", the complaint added. Girls were told that if they defied Garcia`s desires "they were going against god", the complaint says. Prosecutors said Garcia and co-defendants committed a total of 26 felonies in south California from 2015 to 2018 in Los Angeles County. The victims were not named. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra will hold a news conference on Thursday to discuss the arrest, his office said. Internet sites say the church has between 1 million and 5 million followers worldwide in more than 50 countries including many followers in the United States. The church`s roots go back to the 1920s in Mexico, and adheres to nontrinitarianism, rejecting a mainstream Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. It says it adheres to the earliest doctrines of the Christian church teachings.

Mexican church leader held on $50 mln bail in Los Angeles for sex crimes

Representatives of the United States and Mexico on Wednesday failed to reach an agreement on the immigration issue during high-stakes negotiations held at the White House, days before Washington would start imposing five per cent tariffs on all goods coming in from Mexico.

Shortly after the meeting, US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to inform that "not nearly enough" progress has been made in the negotiations while reiterating that in case no agreement is reached between the two sides, the tariffs would begin on Monday "as per schedule."

"Immigration discussions at the White House with representatives of Mexico have ended for the day. Progress is being made, but not nearly enough! Border arrests for May are at 133,000 because of Mexico &amp; the Democrats in Congress refusing to budge on immigration reform," Trump tweeted.

"Further talks with Mexico will resume tomorrow with the understanding that, if no agreement is reached, Tariffs at the 5 per cent level will begin on Monday, with monthly increases as per schedule. The higher the Tariffs go, the higher the number of companies that will move back to the USA!" he said in another tweet.

On May 30, the US President had unveiled his plan to levy tariffs on the goods coming in from Mexico if the country does not step up its enforcement actions.

In a statement, US warned that if Mexico did not act as Trump demanded, the first round of tariffs would begin on June 10 at five per cent "on all goods imported from Mexico".

Tariffs would then go up to 10 per cent by July, 15 per cent by August, 20 per cent by September and reach 25 per cent by October if the demands aren`t met.

The statement mentioned that Trump would carry out his threat under authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and that he would lift tariffs only "if the illegal migration crisis is alleviated through effective actions taken by Mexico".

Trump has repeatedly claimed that there`s an influx of drugs and criminals from its southern border with Mexico. He has used these claims to justify and press for the construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border.

The fresh threats come at a time when the US is already locked in a trade dispute with China.

Representatives of the United States and Mexico on Wednesday failed to reach an agreement on the immigration issue during high-stakes negotiations held at the White House, days before Washington would start imposing five per cent tariffs on all goods coming in from Mexico.

Representatives of the United States and Mexico on Wednesday failed to reach an agreement on the immigration issue during high-stakes negotiations held at the White House, days before Washington would start imposing five per cent tariffs on all goods coming in from Mexico. Shortly after the meeting, US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to inform that "not nearly enough" progress has been made in the negotiations while reiterating that in case no agreement is reached between the two sides, the tariffs would begin on Monday "as per schedule." "Immigration discussions at the White House with representatives of Mexico have ended for the day. Progress is being made, but not nearly enough! Border arrests for May are at 133,000 because of Mexico & the Democrats in Congress refusing to budge on immigration reform," Trump tweeted. "Further talks with Mexico will resume tomorrow with the understanding that, if no agreement is reached, Tariffs at the 5 per cent level will begin on Monday, with monthly increases as per schedule. The higher the Tariffs go, the higher the number of companies that will move back to the USA!" he said in another tweet. On May 30, the US President had unveiled his plan to levy tariffs on the goods coming in from Mexico if the country does not step up its enforcement actions. In a statement, US warned that if Mexico did not act as Trump demanded, the first round of tariffs would begin on June 10 at five per cent "on all goods imported from Mexico". Tariffs would then go up to 10 per cent by July, 15 per cent by August, 20 per cent by September and reach 25 per cent by October if the demands aren`t met. The statement mentioned that Trump would carry out his threat under authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and that he would lift tariffs only "if the illegal migration crisis is alleviated through effective actions taken by Mexico". Trump has repeatedly claimed that there`s an influx of drugs and criminals from its southern border with Mexico. He has used these claims to justify and press for the construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border. The fresh threats come at a time when the US is already locked in a trade dispute with China.

'Not nearly enough' progress made in immigration talks with Mexico: Trump

US&nbsp;border&nbsp;officers apprehended more than 132,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-nearly-enough-progress-made-in-immigration-talks-with-mexico-trump-224814">people crossing from&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;</a>in May, an increase&nbsp;over&nbsp;the previous month and the&nbsp;highest&nbsp;monthly level since 2006,&nbsp;reaching what&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials said on Wednesday were "crisis"&nbsp;levels.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is frustrated with the rising number of mostly Central American migrants crossing into the United States and the new arrest numbers coincided with his threat to impose across-the-board&nbsp;tariffs on Mexican goods if&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;does not do more to stem the flow of people.

"Our nation is experiencing unprecedented&nbsp;border&nbsp;security and humanitarian crisis on the southwest&nbsp;border, both at and between our ports of entry," Randy Howe, the executive director for operations, Office of Field Operations at&nbsp;US&nbsp;Customs and&nbsp;Border&nbsp;Protection,&nbsp;told reporters on a call.

He said on June 4 alone, CBP apprehended more than 4,100 people and had 19,293 people in custody.

"We are bursting at the seams. It is&nbsp;unsustainable," Howe said.

Trump made reducing illegal immigration one of his main platforms in the 2016 election campaign but he has had limited success in carrying out aspects of his policy as president.

Border&nbsp;agents apprehended 132,887 people on the southwest&nbsp;border&nbsp;in May, according to CBP data, a more than 30 per cent increase from April. The last time apprehensions topped that&nbsp;level&nbsp;was more than a&nbsp;decade&nbsp;ago in March 2006, the data shows.

Overall&nbsp;arrests&nbsp;were still lower than at other peak periods of illegal immigration since the 1970s. But&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials say they are struggling to handle a demographic shift in the type of migrants now crossing: from mainly single, adult Mexicans trying to cross clandestinely who could be turned around, to mostly families from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras seeking asylum and who cannot be quickly deported under&nbsp;US&nbsp;law.

More than 63% of those apprehended in May were children and people travelling as families.

Border&nbsp;officials deemed a further 11,391 people "inadmissible" in May, up 12% from the previous month. That category includes people who present themselves for legal admission at a port of entry but are turned away and people who seek asylum at ports of entry.

To deal with the influx, 731 CBP officers have been redeployed from airports, seaports and legal ports of entry to assist with the processing of migrant families, which is increasing traveller and trade wait times, Howe said.

Border&nbsp;agents have been limiting the number of migrants they process at legal ports of entry, which immigration advocates say has pushed more people to try to cross illegally and turn themselves in.

Families Released

Most families are released to pursue their asylum claims in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/h-1b-visa-approvals-in-2018-dropped-10-us-immigration-data-224421">US&nbsp;immigration</a> courts because of legal limits on how long children can be held in detention. The pursuit of such claims can take years due to ballooning court backlogs.

Since March 19 this year,&nbsp;over&nbsp;75,000 non-criminal&nbsp;family&nbsp;units were released by&nbsp;Border&nbsp;Patrol, acting CBP Commissioner John Sanders said. "We began doing that because our facilities were&nbsp;over&nbsp;capacity."

"As word of mouth and social media continues&nbsp;to spread about the news of a quick release into the United States, more migrants are emboldened to make this dangerous journey," Sanders said on the call.

US&nbsp;officials say they do not have the proper facilities to handle the more than 55,000 children who passed through&nbsp;Border&nbsp;Patrol custody in May. A&nbsp;U.S. government watchdog reported "dangerous"&nbsp;overcrowding at one&nbsp;border&nbsp;patrol facility in El Paso, Texas.&nbsp;&nbsp;And at least six minors have died while they were in&nbsp;US&nbsp;custody or shortly after being released within the past year.

Border&nbsp;Patrol said it had rescued more than 3,000 people so far in the 2019 fiscal year, which began last October, including a "massive increase" in the number rescues&nbsp;of migrants crossing the Rio Grande river.

Migrants are increasingly trying to cross in large groups&nbsp;- 182 such groups&nbsp;have been caught so far this fiscal year compared to 13 in 2018 and just 2 in 2017. On May 30 in Del Rio, Texas, 117 migrants from Central and South Africa, were apprehended.

Just before Trump&nbsp;threatened&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-adviser-influential-senator-cast-doubt-on-mexico-tariffs-224742">tariffs on&nbsp;Mexico</a>&nbsp;last week, he tweeted a May 29&nbsp;Border&nbsp;Patrol video showing the apprehension of more than 1,000 migrants, mostly children and families.

US border officers apprehended more than 132,000 people crossing from Mexico in May, an increase over the previous month and the highest monthly level since 2006, reaching what US officials said on Wednesday were "crisis" levels.

US border officers apprehended more than 132,000 people crossing from Mexico in May, an increase over the previous month and the highest monthly level since 2006, reaching what US officials said on Wednesday were "crisis" levels. US President Donald Trump is frustrated with the rising number of mostly Central American migrants crossing into the United States and the new arrest numbers coincided with his threat to impose across-the-board tariffs on Mexican goods if Mexico does not do more to stem the flow of people. "Our nation is experiencing unprecedented border security and humanitarian crisis on the southwest border, both at and between our ports of entry," Randy Howe, the executive director for operations, Office of Field Operations at US Customs and Border Protection, told reporters on a call. He said on June 4 alone, CBP apprehended more than 4,100 people and had 19,293 people in custody. "We are bursting at the seams. It is unsustainable," Howe said. Trump made reducing illegal immigration one of his main platforms in the 2016 election campaign but he has had limited success in carrying out aspects of his policy as president. Border agents apprehended 132,887 people on the southwest border in May, according to CBP data, a more than 30 per cent increase from April. The last time apprehensions topped that level was more than a decade ago in March 2006, the data shows. Overall arrests were still lower than at other peak periods of illegal immigration since the 1970s. But US officials say they are struggling to handle a demographic shift in the type of migrants now crossing: from mainly single, adult Mexicans trying to cross clandestinely who could be turned around, to mostly families from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras seeking asylum and who cannot be quickly deported under US law. More than 63% of those apprehended in May were children and people travelling as families. Border officials deemed a further 11,391 people "inadmissible" in May, up 12% from the previous month. That category includes people who present themselves for legal admission at a port of entry but are turned away and people who seek asylum at ports of entry. To deal with the influx, 731 CBP officers have been redeployed from airports, seaports and legal ports of entry to assist with the processing of migrant families, which is increasing traveller and trade wait times, Howe said. Border agents have been limiting the number of migrants they process at legal ports of entry, which immigration advocates say has pushed more people to try to cross illegally and turn themselves in. Families Released Most families are released to pursue their asylum claims in US immigration courts because of legal limits on how long children can be held in detention. The pursuit of such claims can take years due to ballooning court backlogs. Since March 19 this year, over 75,000 non-criminal family units were released by Border Patrol, acting CBP Commissioner John Sanders said. "We began doing that because our facilities were over capacity." "As word of mouth and social media continues to spread about the news of a quick release into the United States, more migrants are emboldened to make this dangerous journey," Sanders said on the call. US officials say they do not have the proper facilities to handle the more than 55,000 children who passed through Border Patrol custody in May. A U.S. government watchdog reported "dangerous" overcrowding at one border patrol facility in El Paso, Texas. And at least six minors have died while they were in US custody or shortly after being released within the past year. Border Patrol said it had rescued more than 3,000 people so far in the 2019 fiscal year, which began last October, including a "massive increase" in the number rescues of migrants crossing the Rio Grande river. Migrants are increasingly trying to cross in large groups - 182 such groups have been caught so far this fiscal year compared to 13 in 2018 and just 2 in 2017. On May 30 in Del Rio, Texas, 117 migrants from Central and South Africa, were apprehended. Just before Trump threatened tariffs on Mexico last week, he tweeted a May 29 Border Patrol video showing the apprehension of more than 1,000 migrants, mostly children and families.

US officials say 'crisis' level reached as over 1 lakh arrested for crossing Mexico border in May

Defying increasing criticism from within his own party, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would likely go ahead with new tariffs on imports from Mexico to pressure it to clamp down on rising numbers of migrants entering the United States.

Trump told a news conference in London he expected to impose 5% tariffs on Mexican imports from Monday, citing the high number of mostly Central American immigrants crossing the US southern border with Mexico.

In a last-ditch attempt to find a resolution, a Mexican delegation including Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard is set to take part in talks at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, hosted by US Vice President Mike Pence.&nbsp;

Trump will be in Europe to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day.

If the tariffs go ahead, the United States will be in a serious dispute with two of its three top trading partners. US relations with China have worsened in the past month as Washington and Beijing have slapped additional tariffs on each others` imports.&nbsp;

Trump has threatened to increase the tariffs on Mexico to as high as 25% later this year if the Mexican government does not do more to stop the migrants.

The president warned Republicans in Congress not to block his efforts. "I don`t think they will do that. I think if they do, it`s foolish," he said.&nbsp;

But Republican senators warned that the White House may not have their backing, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying there was "not much support" among other Republicans for the tariffs. The threat has spooked global markets and put the ratification of a three-way trade pact between the two countries and Canada that took over a year to negotiate in doubt.

The tariffs have also been criticized by the US Chamber of Commerce and industry groups on concerns about increased costs for US businesses and consumers.&nbsp;

Mexico exports a broad array of goods to the United States, ranging from cars, auto parts and televisions to popular brands of beer. Toyota Motor Corp said on Tuesday tariffs on Mexican imports could cost the automaker`s major suppliers as much as $1 billion.&nbsp;

Mexican leaders are expected to show White House officials on Wednesday that they are taking steps to stem the northward flow of migrants, but Trump said the talks might not resolve the issue.

"We`re going to see if we can do something, but I think it`s more likely that the tariffs go on," Trump said during a state visit to Britain, describing immigrants entering the United States illegally as an "invasion."

Asked to comment, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told a news conference he was optimistic that a deal on tariffs and migration could be reached.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, speaking at an event in Miami, said of talks with Mexican officials: "Hopefully, we can work out a sensible solution to the border crisis and minimize the economic fallout."&nbsp;

`INVASION`

Combating illegal immigration was one of Trump`s main campaign pledges in the 2016 presidential election and it looks like it will be a major issue again as he seeks re-election in 2020.&nbsp;

"Mexico should step up and stop this onslaught, this invasion into our country," Trump said on Tuesday, also calling on the US Congress to pass immigration laws to address the situation and blaming Democrats for stalling any such effort.&nbsp;

While Trump often uses emotive language to describe illegal immigration, the issue is complex. The number of people apprehended on the US-Mexico border is at the highest monthly level in more than a decade, but is still lower than at other peak periods of illegal immigration since the 1970s. &nbsp;

US authorities are overwhelmed not so much by the number of migrants but by a shift in the type of person turning up at the border in recent years. 
&nbsp; 
Increasing numbers of Central American families and unaccompanied minors seeking asylum from criminal violence back home have been turning themselves in to US&nbsp;border agents who have long been geared up to catch mainly single, adult Mexicans trying to cross clandestinely.

That has presented new challenges for US officials.&nbsp;

Border authorities apprehended more than 98,000 people in April, 60% of them consisting of families, the highest monthly level in more than a decade. Six minors have died while they were in US custody or shortly after being released.&nbsp;

Mexico is now detaining double the number of migrants per day than a year ago, and three times as many as in January, when Lopez Obrador`s new government opted instead to give visas to Central Americans, hoping they would stay in Mexico.&nbsp;

Instead, most of them made their way to the border, contributing to the recent surge. Under pressure from the United States, the Mexican government changed strategy, and detentions in May surged past 20,000.

Defying increasing criticism from within his own party, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would likely go ahead with new tariffs on imports from Mexico to pressure it to clamp down on rising numbers of migrants entering the United States.

Defying increasing criticism from within his own party, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would likely go ahead with new tariffs on imports from Mexico to pressure it to clamp down on rising numbers of migrants entering the United States. Trump told a news conference in London he expected to impose 5% tariffs on Mexican imports from Monday, citing the high number of mostly Central American immigrants crossing the US southern border with Mexico. In a last-ditch attempt to find a resolution, a Mexican delegation including Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard is set to take part in talks at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, hosted by US Vice President Mike Pence. Trump will be in Europe to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day. If the tariffs go ahead, the United States will be in a serious dispute with two of its three top trading partners. US relations with China have worsened in the past month as Washington and Beijing have slapped additional tariffs on each others` imports. Trump has threatened to increase the tariffs on Mexico to as high as 25% later this year if the Mexican government does not do more to stop the migrants. The president warned Republicans in Congress not to block his efforts. "I don`t think they will do that. I think if they do, it`s foolish," he said. But Republican senators warned that the White House may not have their backing, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying there was "not much support" among other Republicans for the tariffs. The threat has spooked global markets and put the ratification of a three-way trade pact between the two countries and Canada that took over a year to negotiate in doubt. The tariffs have also been criticized by the US Chamber of Commerce and industry groups on concerns about increased costs for US businesses and consumers. Mexico exports a broad array of goods to the United States, ranging from cars, auto parts and televisions to popular brands of beer. Toyota Motor Corp said on Tuesday tariffs on Mexican imports could cost the automaker`s major suppliers as much as $1 billion. Mexican leaders are expected to show White House officials on Wednesday that they are taking steps to stem the northward flow of migrants, but Trump said the talks might not resolve the issue. "We`re going to see if we can do something, but I think it`s more likely that the tariffs go on," Trump said during a state visit to Britain, describing immigrants entering the United States illegally as an "invasion." Asked to comment, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told a news conference he was optimistic that a deal on tariffs and migration could be reached. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, speaking at an event in Miami, said of talks with Mexican officials: "Hopefully, we can work out a sensible solution to the border crisis and minimize the economic fallout." `INVASION` Combating illegal immigration was one of Trump`s main campaign pledges in the 2016 presidential election and it looks like it will be a major issue again as he seeks re-election in 2020. "Mexico should step up and stop this onslaught, this invasion into our country," Trump said on Tuesday, also calling on the US Congress to pass immigration laws to address the situation and blaming Democrats for stalling any such effort. While Trump often uses emotive language to describe illegal immigration, the issue is complex. The number of people apprehended on the US-Mexico border is at the highest monthly level in more than a decade, but is still lower than at other peak periods of illegal immigration since the 1970s. US authorities are overwhelmed not so much by the number of migrants but by a shift in the type of person turning up at the border in recent years. Increasing numbers of Central American families and unaccompanied minors seeking asylum from criminal violence back home have been turning themselves in to US border agents who have long been geared up to catch mainly single, adult Mexicans trying to cross clandestinely. That has presented new challenges for US officials. Border authorities apprehended more than 98,000 people in April, 60% of them consisting of families, the highest monthly level in more than a decade. Six minors have died while they were in US custody or shortly after being released. Mexico is now detaining double the number of migrants per day than a year ago, and three times as many as in January, when Lopez Obrador`s new government opted instead to give visas to Central Americans, hoping they would stay in Mexico. Instead, most of them made their way to the border, contributing to the recent surge. Under pressure from the United States, the Mexican government changed strategy, and detentions in May surged past 20,000.

Trump defies own party to push ahead with Mexican tariff threat

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 2 July 2019

Mexico`s president is expected to score comfortable election wins on Sunday in the first test of his popularity since taking office, despite a weak economy, rampant violence and troubled relations with his US counterpart Donald Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-president-hints-at-migration-concessions-to-defuse-us-trade-spat-223536">President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador</a>`s party is tipped for victory in state gubernatorial races in Baja California on the US border and in the central region of Puebla, the two biggest posts among dozens up for grabs.

Opinion polls give his leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) a commanding lead against a divided opposition in both states, even as clouds have gathered on the horizon because of a potentially calamitous trade row with Trump.

Trump said on Thursday that he would hit all Mexican exports to the United States with an escalating 5 per cent tariff from June 10 unless Mexico stops a surge in illegal immigrants from Central America reaching the US border.

Lopez Obrador sent his foreign minister to Washington to try to broker an accord, and hinted on Saturday that he could agree to toughen migration controls to reach a deal, forecasting "good results" from bilateral talks due next week.

Around 80 per cent of Mexico`s exports go to the United States, giving Trump plenty of leverage to put pressure on Lopez Obrador, who took office in December.

Since assuming the presidency, Lopez Obrador has repeatedly vowed to root out political corruption, which he says is a legacy of his adversaries` years in power.

Disheartened and disorganized, the opposition has yet to recover public trust in spite of concern about Lopez Obrador`s economic management and his polarizing instincts.

Indeed, some prominent figures from the main opposition parties have declared their support for MORENA.

Lopez Obrador`s fight against graft has yet to show tangible results, but this week the government began stepping up a major probe into suspected financial wrongdoing by a former boss of struggling state oil company Pemex.

Still, the 65-year-old`s efforts to run a tight budget have caused shortfalls in public services, and helped prompt the first major resignation from his government last month.

His abrupt decisions on economic policy and doubts about the future of Pemex have rattled financial markets, and the economy contracted 0.2% quarter-on-quarter during the first quarter.

Meanwhile, murders are on track to surpass last year`s record of nearly 29,000, official data show.

Mexico`s president is expected to score comfortable election wins on Sunday in the first test of his popularity since taking office, despite a weak economy, rampant violence and troubled relations with his US counterpart Donald Trump.

Mexico`s president is expected to score comfortable election wins on Sunday in the first test of his popularity since taking office, despite a weak economy, rampant violence and troubled relations with his US counterpart Donald Trump. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador`s party is tipped for victory in state gubernatorial races in Baja California on the US border and in the central region of Puebla, the two biggest posts among dozens up for grabs. Opinion polls give his leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) a commanding lead against a divided opposition in both states, even as clouds have gathered on the horizon because of a potentially calamitous trade row with Trump. Trump said on Thursday that he would hit all Mexican exports to the United States with an escalating 5 per cent tariff from June 10 unless Mexico stops a surge in illegal immigrants from Central America reaching the US border. Lopez Obrador sent his foreign minister to Washington to try to broker an accord, and hinted on Saturday that he could agree to toughen migration controls to reach a deal, forecasting "good results" from bilateral talks due next week. Around 80 per cent of Mexico`s exports go to the United States, giving Trump plenty of leverage to put pressure on Lopez Obrador, who took office in December. Since assuming the presidency, Lopez Obrador has repeatedly vowed to root out political corruption, which he says is a legacy of his adversaries` years in power. Disheartened and disorganized, the opposition has yet to recover public trust in spite of concern about Lopez Obrador`s economic management and his polarizing instincts. Indeed, some prominent figures from the main opposition parties have declared their support for MORENA. Lopez Obrador`s fight against graft has yet to show tangible results, but this week the government began stepping up a major probe into suspected financial wrongdoing by a former boss of struggling state oil company Pemex. Still, the 65-year-old`s efforts to run a tight budget have caused shortfalls in public services, and helped prompt the first major resignation from his government last month. His abrupt decisions on economic policy and doubts about the future of Pemex have rattled financial markets, and the economy contracted 0.2% quarter-on-quarter during the first quarter. Meanwhile, murders are on track to surpass last year`s record of nearly 29,000, official data show.

State elections set to offer relief for Mexican president

Mexico`s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he started negotiating with officials in Washington on Friday after US President Donald Trump<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-5-tariff-on-mexican-imports-over-illegal-immigration-222998"> threatened tariffs on imports </a>of Mexican products but face-to-face talks will not happen until next week.&nbsp;

Ebrard said on Twitter that he had spoken to senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo by phone, and that there was a willingness to resolve the dispute.

"The negotiations have started," Ebrard said before boarding a plane to Washington. "I heard interest and respect about the letter from President Lopez Obrador. We are moving forward."

However, Ebrard said in-person talks would not take place until Wednesday in Washington, and that Pompeo would lead the US delegation. Ebrard will be accompanied by deputy foreign minister for North America, Jesus Seade, a veteran trade negotiator.&nbsp;

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said earlier on Friday that he would respond with "great prudence" to Trump`s threats to impose punitive tariffs on Mexican products on June 10.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-eyes-steps-to-cut-immigrant-flows-to-us-border-official-223382">Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official</a>

Trump has accused Mexico of not doing enough to stop the flow of illegal immigration from Central America to the United States but Lopez Obrador said his migration policy was already producing results.&nbsp;

Mexico`s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he started negotiating with officials in Washington on Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on imports of Mexican products but face-to-face talks will not happen until next week.

Mexico`s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he started negotiating with officials in Washington on Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on imports of Mexican products but face-to-face talks will not happen until next week. Ebrard said on Twitter that he had spoken to senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo by phone, and that there was a willingness to resolve the dispute. "The negotiations have started," Ebrard said before boarding a plane to Washington. "I heard interest and respect about the letter from President Lopez Obrador. We are moving forward." However, Ebrard said in-person talks would not take place until Wednesday in Washington, and that Pompeo would lead the US delegation. Ebrard will be accompanied by deputy foreign minister for North America, Jesus Seade, a veteran trade negotiator. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said earlier on Friday that he would respond with "great prudence" to Trump`s threats to impose punitive tariffs on Mexican products on June 10. Also read: Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official Trump has accused Mexico of not doing enough to stop the flow of illegal immigration from Central America to the United States but Lopez Obrador said his migration policy was already producing results.

The negotiations have started, we are moving forward: Mexican minister on US

US immigration authorities on Friday said the government would limit which migrant children who enter the country alone qualify for special protections in the United States, the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten immigration restrictions.

President Donald Trump has become increasingly aggressive in his fight to stem the surge of migrants crossing the US border from Mexico. On Thursday he announced plans to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-5-tariff-on-mexican-imports-over-illegal-immigration-222998">slap tariffs on goods from Mexico</a> if it does not act to stop the flow of migrants.

Children who are not accompanied by an adult have a special status under US law, which allows them to make their claims to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officer, in a non-adversarial setting, instead of an immigration judge. If they are denied, they get a second chance in immigration court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-eyes-steps-to-cut-immigrant-flows-to-us-border-official-223382">Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official</a>

USCIS spokeswoman Jessica Collins said the agency was rescinding a memorandum put in place by the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama that allowed children to keep their special status even if they turned 18 or reunited with a parent or legal guardian before filing an asylum application.&nbsp;

Trump has repeatedly said many of the protections for migrants are "legal loopholes" that have spurred much of the migration of children.&nbsp;

U.S. border patrol agents have apprehended almost 45,000 unaccompanied children at the southwest border since October. Most of them are teenagers and have often endured trauma and abuse in their home countries and on the journey north.

USCIS said it was returning to a previous policy from 2009. Immigration advocates said the move could have a wide impact as many unaccompanied minors reunite with parents in the United States.&nbsp;

"Congress must reform the law to address the underlying issues fueling the border crisis and encouraging unaccompanied minors to make the dangerous journey to the United States,” Collins said.

The new guidance, first reported by BuzzFeed News, is the latest example of moves by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy in the absence of Congressional action. It goes into effect on June 30, USCIS said.

Maria Odom, vice president for legal services at Kids In Need of Defense, who was the agency`s ombudsman when the 2013 memo was issued, said it was often not practical for children to quickly file for asylum.&nbsp;

“We have many kids who are so traumatized, and it takes a considerable amount of time to get them to talk,” she said. Children also are often moved from shelter to shelter when they initially arrive in the United States.

The memo was issued by the outgoing director of USCIS, Francis Cissna, the latest casualty of Trump`s purge of high-level officials of the Department of Homeland Security over concerns they were not doing enough to stem the flow of migrants. Trump has also threatened tariffs on all Mexican goods if Mexico does not do more to stop migration to the United States.

Cissna, who was popular with immigration restrictionists, made a number of rule changes during his tenure that have made it more difficult for legal immigrants to come to and stay in the United States. Cissna`s resignation is effective June 1.

US immigration authorities on Friday said the government would limit which migrant children who enter the country alone qualify for special protections in the United States, the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten immigration restrictions.

US immigration authorities on Friday said the government would limit which migrant children who enter the country alone qualify for special protections in the United States, the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten immigration restrictions. President Donald Trump has become increasingly aggressive in his fight to stem the surge of migrants crossing the US border from Mexico. On Thursday he announced plans to slap tariffs on goods from Mexico if it does not act to stop the flow of migrants. Children who are not accompanied by an adult have a special status under US law, which allows them to make their claims to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officer, in a non-adversarial setting, instead of an immigration judge. If they are denied, they get a second chance in immigration court. Also read: Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official USCIS spokeswoman Jessica Collins said the agency was rescinding a memorandum put in place by the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama that allowed children to keep their special status even if they turned 18 or reunited with a parent or legal guardian before filing an asylum application. Trump has repeatedly said many of the protections for migrants are "legal loopholes" that have spurred much of the migration of children. U.S. border patrol agents have apprehended almost 45,000 unaccompanied children at the southwest border since October. Most of them are teenagers and have often endured trauma and abuse in their home countries and on the journey north. USCIS said it was returning to a previous policy from 2009. Immigration advocates said the move could have a wide impact as many unaccompanied minors reunite with parents in the United States. "Congress must reform the law to address the underlying issues fueling the border crisis and encouraging unaccompanied minors to make the dangerous journey to the United States,” Collins said. The new guidance, first reported by BuzzFeed News, is the latest example of moves by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy in the absence of Congressional action. It goes into effect on June 30, USCIS said. Maria Odom, vice president for legal services at Kids In Need of Defense, who was the agency`s ombudsman when the 2013 memo was issued, said it was often not practical for children to quickly file for asylum. “We have many kids who are so traumatized, and it takes a considerable amount of time to get them to talk,” she said. Children also are often moved from shelter to shelter when they initially arrive in the United States. The memo was issued by the outgoing director of USCIS, Francis Cissna, the latest casualty of Trump`s purge of high-level officials of the Department of Homeland Security over concerns they were not doing enough to stem the flow of migrants. Trump has also threatened tariffs on all Mexican goods if Mexico does not do more to stop migration to the United States. Cissna, who was popular with immigration restrictionists, made a number of rule changes during his tenure that have made it more difficult for legal immigrants to come to and stay in the United States. Cissna`s resignation is effective June 1.

US limits protections for some migrant children

Mexico wants to sharpen existing measures in its bid to narrow a flood of Central American migrants to the US border, a top Mexican official said on Friday, ahead of planned meetings in Washington over tariffs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-deploying-320-additional-troops-along-mexico-border-us-defence-department-214622">threatened by President Donald Trump</a>.

Trump on Thursday said he would introduce the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-5-tariff-on-mexican-imports-over-illegal-immigration-222998">tariffs, starting at 5% on June 10 </a>and quickly ratcheting higher if Mexico did not substantially halt illegal immigration, largely from Central America, across the US-Mexican border.

"To avoid these flows that go from Central America to the United States in large numbers I think we can make progress with traditional mechanisms and better exercise existing rules," said Jesus Seade, Mexico`s deputy foreign minister for North America.&nbsp;

Asked if Mexico might agree to be classified as a "safe third country" where asylum seekers would have to lodge claims instead of the United States, he replied, "That is not something we are working with."

Seade declined to give further details of what more Mexico could do to stem immigration, citing the delicate nature of the talks in Washington.&nbsp;

Trump`s ultimatum is the biggest foreign policy test yet for Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and a tall order for security forces already struggling to reduce migrant flows and combat record levels of gang violence and homicide.

Trump`s pressure has spurred Mexico to step up the number of undocumented immigrants it detains and deports in recent months, but numbers reaching the U.S. border have also risen.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard travelled to Washington on Friday and is to be joined by Seade on Sunday. On Wednesday they will meet a US delegation led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to resolve the dispute.

Seade said the Mexican team was setting up other meetings for Monday and Tuesday, and had spoken ahead of the trip with the United States Trade Representative.&nbsp;

"I had a good conversation with (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, but in reality the issue at hand has more to do with immigration," he added.

Trump has pledged to end the wave of tens of thousands of asylum seekers, including many Central American families fleeing poverty and violence, who make the arduous journey north to seek refuge in the United States.

In the biggest migrant surge on the US-Mexican border in a decade, US officials say 80,000 people are in custody, with an average of 4,500 mostly Central American migrants arriving each day, overwhelming the handling resources of border officials.

The number of migrants arrested on the southwest border last month was 98,977, a record.

As part of the US effort to stem the flow, Kevin K. McAleenan, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Guatemala government agreed to boost law enforcement cooperation, the DHS said on Friday.

"Included in the agreement is a provision on law enforcement training to improve criminal investigations that disrupt human trafficking and drug smuggling networks," the DHS said in a statement.

Such networks are often run by transnational criminal groups that profit from human suffering, it added.

A Mexican government source said McAleenan and Guatemala`s government agreed on the presence of DHS "advisers" in the Central American nation, but Mexico was not part of the pact.

Since taking office in December, Lopez Obrador has urged Trump to help him tackle migration by promoting economic development in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

Mexico wants to sharpen existing measures in its bid to narrow a flood of Central American migrants to the US border, a top Mexican official said on Friday, ahead of planned meetings in Washington over tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump.

Mexico wants to sharpen existing measures in its bid to narrow a flood of Central American migrants to the US border, a top Mexican official said on Friday, ahead of planned meetings in Washington over tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump. Trump on Thursday said he would introduce the tariffs, starting at 5% on June 10 and quickly ratcheting higher if Mexico did not substantially halt illegal immigration, largely from Central America, across the US-Mexican border. "To avoid these flows that go from Central America to the United States in large numbers I think we can make progress with traditional mechanisms and better exercise existing rules," said Jesus Seade, Mexico`s deputy foreign minister for North America. Asked if Mexico might agree to be classified as a "safe third country" where asylum seekers would have to lodge claims instead of the United States, he replied, "That is not something we are working with." Seade declined to give further details of what more Mexico could do to stem immigration, citing the delicate nature of the talks in Washington. Trump`s ultimatum is the biggest foreign policy test yet for Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and a tall order for security forces already struggling to reduce migrant flows and combat record levels of gang violence and homicide. Trump`s pressure has spurred Mexico to step up the number of undocumented immigrants it detains and deports in recent months, but numbers reaching the U.S. border have also risen. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard travelled to Washington on Friday and is to be joined by Seade on Sunday. On Wednesday they will meet a US delegation led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to resolve the dispute. Seade said the Mexican team was setting up other meetings for Monday and Tuesday, and had spoken ahead of the trip with the United States Trade Representative. "I had a good conversation with (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, but in reality the issue at hand has more to do with immigration," he added. Trump has pledged to end the wave of tens of thousands of asylum seekers, including many Central American families fleeing poverty and violence, who make the arduous journey north to seek refuge in the United States. In the biggest migrant surge on the US-Mexican border in a decade, US officials say 80,000 people are in custody, with an average of 4,500 mostly Central American migrants arriving each day, overwhelming the handling resources of border officials. The number of migrants arrested on the southwest border last month was 98,977, a record. As part of the US effort to stem the flow, Kevin K. McAleenan, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Guatemala government agreed to boost law enforcement cooperation, the DHS said on Friday. "Included in the agreement is a provision on law enforcement training to improve criminal investigations that disrupt human trafficking and drug smuggling networks," the DHS said in a statement. Such networks are often run by transnational criminal groups that profit from human suffering, it added. A Mexican government source said McAleenan and Guatemala`s government agreed on the presence of DHS "advisers" in the Central American nation, but Mexico was not part of the pact. Since taking office in December, Lopez Obrador has urged Trump to help him tackle migration by promoting economic development in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official

Shares in Asia's major automakers and their suppliers sank on Friday after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-5-tariff-on-mexican-imports-over-illegal-immigration-222998">Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports</a> next month, potentially affecting vehicles made in Mexico and sold north of the border.

Trump, incensed by a surge of illegal immigrants across the southern border, said late on Thursday a tariff of 5% would be imposed on all goods coming from Mexico, increasing gradually each month until reaching 25% on October 1, unless Mexico takes immediate action.

The move is likely to hit a broad range of industries, but the auto industry looks particularly vulnerable as many global carmakers manufacture vehicles in Mexico to take advantage of its cheap labour, trade deals and its proximity to the United States, the world's second-largest auto market.

"Margins are so thin in the US market right now that there's no way that any automaker is not going to pass on these tariffs to their customers," said Janet Lewis, an analyst at Macquarie Securities.

"The unknown factor is the impact on suppliers, as components can move back and forth between Mexico, the United States and Canada up to 20 times before they make their way into assembled cars."

General Motors Co is the biggest car producer and exporter in Mexico, and its global peers Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV also have manufacturing presence there.

In Japan, shares in Toyota Motor Corp fell 2% while Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co fell about 3%. Mazda Motor Co took a bigger hit, tumbling nearly 7%. All four automakers operate vehicle assembly plants in Mexico, producing roughly one-third of the vehicles made in the country.

In South Korea, Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Motors Corp fell 1.1% and 4.2% respectively. Hyundai Wia Corp, which supplies auto components to the duo, fell 5.2%.

"Although we have to wait and see whether the US tariffs plan will be really implemented, this is negatively affecting investor sentiment," said Chang Moon-Su, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities in Seoul.

Japan's top automakers and their suppliers, including Denso Corp and Aisin Seiko Co, for decades, have been building vehicles in Mexico not only for the domestic market but also to export to the United States, taking advantage of previous free-trade agreements between the two countries.

Among them, Nissan produces the most vehicles in Mexico, and its exports to the United States account for roughly one-quarter of the firm's total vehicle sales in the country, industry experts say. Its Sentra and Versa models are made in Mexico for the US market.

Smaller rival Mazda exports about 30% of its Mexico-produced cars to the United States, while the figure for Toyota, which has been expanding US&nbsp;production of pick-up trucks, and Honda is less than 10% each.

Japanese automakers together produced about 1.25 million vehicles in Mexico in 2018.

But production in Mexico is dwarfed by the number of cars Japanese automakers produce in the United States, their single largest market, where the top three manufacturers alone produce roughly 4 million vehicles each year.

Shares in Asia's major automakers and their suppliers sank on Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports next month, potentially affecting vehicles made in Mexico and sold north of the border.

Shares in Asia's major automakers and their suppliers sank on Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports next month, potentially affecting vehicles made in Mexico and sold north of the border. Trump, incensed by a surge of illegal immigrants across the southern border, said late on Thursday a tariff of 5% would be imposed on all goods coming from Mexico, increasing gradually each month until reaching 25% on October 1, unless Mexico takes immediate action. The move is likely to hit a broad range of industries, but the auto industry looks particularly vulnerable as many global carmakers manufacture vehicles in Mexico to take advantage of its cheap labour, trade deals and its proximity to the United States, the world's second-largest auto market. "Margins are so thin in the US market right now that there's no way that any automaker is not going to pass on these tariffs to their customers," said Janet Lewis, an analyst at Macquarie Securities. "The unknown factor is the impact on suppliers, as components can move back and forth between Mexico, the United States and Canada up to 20 times before they make their way into assembled cars." General Motors Co is the biggest car producer and exporter in Mexico, and its global peers Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV also have manufacturing presence there. In Japan, shares in Toyota Motor Corp fell 2% while Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co fell about 3%. Mazda Motor Co took a bigger hit, tumbling nearly 7%. All four automakers operate vehicle assembly plants in Mexico, producing roughly one-third of the vehicles made in the country. In South Korea, Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Motors Corp fell 1.1% and 4.2% respectively. Hyundai Wia Corp, which supplies auto components to the duo, fell 5.2%. "Although we have to wait and see whether the US tariffs plan will be really implemented, this is negatively affecting investor sentiment," said Chang Moon-Su, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities in Seoul. Japan's top automakers and their suppliers, including Denso Corp and Aisin Seiko Co, for decades, have been building vehicles in Mexico not only for the domestic market but also to export to the United States, taking advantage of previous free-trade agreements between the two countries. Among them, Nissan produces the most vehicles in Mexico, and its exports to the United States account for roughly one-quarter of the firm's total vehicle sales in the country, industry experts say. Its Sentra and Versa models are made in Mexico for the US market. Smaller rival Mazda exports about 30% of its Mexico-produced cars to the United States, while the figure for Toyota, which has been expanding US production of pick-up trucks, and Honda is less than 10% each. Japanese automakers together produced about 1.25 million vehicles in Mexico in 2018. But production in Mexico is dwarfed by the number of cars Japanese automakers produce in the United States, their single largest market, where the top three manufacturers alone produce roughly 4 million vehicles each year.

Asian automaker shares hit as Trump threatens Mexico with tariffs

US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs on all Mexico goods. Watch this video to know more.

US President Trump announces tariffs on all Mexico goods

Virginia, an 18-year-old from Guatemala who is seeking asylum in the United States, had just one form of identification on her long journey north,&nbsp;her birth certificate.

Now, the teenager waits in a shelter in a Mexican border town while her US&nbsp;asylum case is decided - minus the birth certificate.

Virginia said that when she turned herself in to immigration authorities in El Paso, US&nbsp;officials took the certificate and refused to return it.

“The more I asked the angrier they got,” she said.

Discouraged by the asylum process, Virginia said she is considering abandoning her claim and going home but feels trapped without identification to show authorities along the way. She spoke on the condition that only her first name be published for fear of drawing attention to her situation.

Ciudad Juarez officials and migrant attorneys say many asylum seekers are in a position similar to Virginia`s, left with no identification because US officials confiscated their documents before sending them back to Mexico. Without IDs, they say, it can be hard for migrants to find work in Mexico, receive money from their families or even return home.

An official with the US Department of Homeland Security, who declined to be named, said it has been federal policy since 2015 to return possessions to migrants upon their release from custody – except for documents believed to be fraudulent or altered. The official did not address whether the policy was being followed consistently and declined to comment on specific cases including Virginia`s.&nbsp;

Gil Kerlikowske, who was the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection when the 2015 standards were put in place, said the sheer volume of cases now might explain any departure from the policy. “We thought we’d solved that problem,” said Kerlikowske. “That said, I do understand the overwhelming number of people they are dealing with.”

The return of migrants to Mexico results from a recent Trump administration policy called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) that has forced thousands of Central Americans to wait south of the border while their asylum cases are pending. About 3,400 people have been returned to Ciudad Juarez under MPP since March when the MPP program started there.

One Ciudad Juarez official, who directly works with migrants and who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to be interviewed, told Reuters that the majority of those he has encountered were returned to Ciudad Juarez without their identification documents. He said some people lose their documents but others complain they were confiscated in the United States.

Another official, Enrique Valenzuela, general coordinator of the state commission for population, said that returned migrants had been appearing at an immigration office in Ciudad Juarez to ask for help. They reported "that they no longer had their identity documents because they had been taken away," he said.

Valenzuela added that city officials took up the issue with US&nbsp;authorities earlier this month and that the problem seemed to have improved in recent days. He did not provide details of the discussions. DHS declined to comment.

On a recent visit to the city, Reuters found 10 migrants besides Virginia who said US officials took their identification documents and did not return them. Reuters was unable to independently verify their accounts.&nbsp;

US-based immigration lawyers say failing to return documents has been a longstanding problem among migrants released into the United States or deported back to their home countries. But the attorneys say the issue is more worrisome in the context of the MPP program because asylum seekers are waiting in a third country and are more vulnerable to arrest and detention. DHS officials did not comment on the issue.&nbsp;

In one case, according to two Ciudad Juarez officials, a Guatemalan asylum seeker waiting in the city with his young daughter asked a Mexican policeman for help returning to their country.

Rogelio Pinal, director of human rights for Ciudad Juarez, who helped to handle the situation, said the two had to wait in municipal offices for more than five hours because the father was unable to produce documents that would have proved their father-daughter relationship.

The father told the Mexican authorities that her birth certificate remained in the hands of US immigration officials, Pinal and another city official briefed on the matter said.

The pair ultimately were released after confirming their relationship through other means and were transferred to a shelter where they considered their options, Pinal said.

THE LONG WAY HOME

Nancy Oretskin, an immigration attorney in Las Cruces, New Mexico, said one of her clients, a Salvadoran asylum seeker, told an immigration judge during his May 9 hearing in El Paso that he wanted to return home to his 6-month-old son, who was sick. She said the US&nbsp;government attorney assured the court that her client’s ID, which was in the possession of immigration authorities, would be returned at the border. But that did not happen, she said.

According to Oretskin and Ariana Sawyer, a worker with Human Rights Watch, advocates went to the middle of the bridge connecting Juarez and El Paso, Texas, in a last-ditch effort to get his ID back, but US&nbsp;officials refused to speak with them. DHS declined to comment on the case.

In an interview with Reuters, the migrant, Elmer, said he decided his only recourse was to travel 700 miles by bus to the Salvadoran consulate in Monterrey, seeking a replacement ID. Elmer spoke on condition that only his first name be used because he said he feared for his safety in El Salvador.

Even boarding the bus could have been complicated without ID, but Elmer said the driver was sympathetic and offered to help him explain if the vehicle was stopped by authorities.

“Your son is more important,” Elmer recalled the bus driver says.

Elmer returned home last Friday after the consulate issued him a temporary ID and he was able to journey south by hitching rides and taking the bus. He said he was relieved to have made it back safely.&nbsp;

“Without documents," he said of his time in Ciudad Juarez, "I felt as though I was imprisoned.”&nbsp;

Virginia, an 18-year-old from Guatemala who is seeking asylum in the United States, had just one form of identification on her long journey north, her birth certificate.

Virginia, an 18-year-old from Guatemala who is seeking asylum in the United States, had just one form of identification on her long journey north, her birth certificate. Now, the teenager waits in a shelter in a Mexican border town while her US asylum case is decided - minus the birth certificate. Virginia said that when she turned herself in to immigration authorities in El Paso, US officials took the certificate and refused to return it. “The more I asked the angrier they got,” she said. Discouraged by the asylum process, Virginia said she is considering abandoning her claim and going home but feels trapped without identification to show authorities along the way. She spoke on the condition that only her first name be published for fear of drawing attention to her situation. Ciudad Juarez officials and migrant attorneys say many asylum seekers are in a position similar to Virginia`s, left with no identification because US officials confiscated their documents before sending them back to Mexico. Without IDs, they say, it can be hard for migrants to find work in Mexico, receive money from their families or even return home. An official with the US Department of Homeland Security, who declined to be named, said it has been federal policy since 2015 to return possessions to migrants upon their release from custody – except for documents believed to be fraudulent or altered. The official did not address whether the policy was being followed consistently and declined to comment on specific cases including Virginia`s. Gil Kerlikowske, who was the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection when the 2015 standards were put in place, said the sheer volume of cases now might explain any departure from the policy. “We thought we’d solved that problem,” said Kerlikowske. “That said, I do understand the overwhelming number of people they are dealing with.” The return of migrants to Mexico results from a recent Trump administration policy called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) that has forced thousands of Central Americans to wait south of the border while their asylum cases are pending. About 3,400 people have been returned to Ciudad Juarez under MPP since March when the MPP program started there. One Ciudad Juarez official, who directly works with migrants and who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to be interviewed, told Reuters that the majority of those he has encountered were returned to Ciudad Juarez without their identification documents. He said some people lose their documents but others complain they were confiscated in the United States. Another official, Enrique Valenzuela, general coordinator of the state commission for population, said that returned migrants had been appearing at an immigration office in Ciudad Juarez to ask for help. They reported "that they no longer had their identity documents because they had been taken away," he said. Valenzuela added that city officials took up the issue with US authorities earlier this month and that the problem seemed to have improved in recent days. He did not provide details of the discussions. DHS declined to comment. On a recent visit to the city, Reuters found 10 migrants besides Virginia who said US officials took their identification documents and did not return them. Reuters was unable to independently verify their accounts. US-based immigration lawyers say failing to return documents has been a longstanding problem among migrants released into the United States or deported back to their home countries. But the attorneys say the issue is more worrisome in the context of the MPP program because asylum seekers are waiting in a third country and are more vulnerable to arrest and detention. DHS officials did not comment on the issue. In one case, according to two Ciudad Juarez officials, a Guatemalan asylum seeker waiting in the city with his young daughter asked a Mexican policeman for help returning to their country. Rogelio Pinal, director of human rights for Ciudad Juarez, who helped to handle the situation, said the two had to wait in municipal offices for more than five hours because the father was unable to produce documents that would have proved their father-daughter relationship. The father told the Mexican authorities that her birth certificate remained in the hands of US immigration officials, Pinal and another city official briefed on the matter said. The pair ultimately were released after confirming their relationship through other means and were transferred to a shelter where they considered their options, Pinal said. THE LONG WAY HOME Nancy Oretskin, an immigration attorney in Las Cruces, New Mexico, said one of her clients, a Salvadoran asylum seeker, told an immigration judge during his May 9 hearing in El Paso that he wanted to return home to his 6-month-old son, who was sick. She said the US government attorney assured the court that her client’s ID, which was in the possession of immigration authorities, would be returned at the border. But that did not happen, she said. According to Oretskin and Ariana Sawyer, a worker with Human Rights Watch, advocates went to the middle of the bridge connecting Juarez and El Paso, Texas, in a last-ditch effort to get his ID back, but US officials refused to speak with them. DHS declined to comment on the case. In an interview with Reuters, the migrant, Elmer, said he decided his only recourse was to travel 700 miles by bus to the Salvadoran consulate in Monterrey, seeking a replacement ID. Elmer spoke on condition that only his first name be used because he said he feared for his safety in El Salvador. Even boarding the bus could have been complicated without ID, but Elmer said the driver was sympathetic and offered to help him explain if the vehicle was stopped by authorities. “Your son is more important,” Elmer recalled the bus driver says. Elmer returned home last Friday after the consulate issued him a temporary ID and he was able to journey south by hitching rides and taking the bus. He said he was relieved to have made it back safely. “Without documents," he said of his time in Ciudad Juarez, "I felt as though I was imprisoned.”

Asylum seekers say US officials returned them to Mexico but kept their IDs

"America&nbsp;First&nbsp;is a fallacy," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-more-white-collar-theft-mexico-orders-end-to-corporate-tax-breaks-220257">Mexican&nbsp;President&nbsp;Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador </a>told US&nbsp;President&nbsp;Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in a letter on Thursday, responding to a White House announced it was imposing a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-5-tariff-on-mexican-imports-over-illegal-immigration-222998"> blanket 5%&nbsp;tariff&nbsp;on all goods from Mexico</a> from June 10.

Lopez Obrador said he wanted to avoid confrontation with the United States, and that ideals such as justice and universal brotherhood were more important than borders.

The Mexican&nbsp;president&nbsp;also ordered his foreign minister to travel to Washington on Friday.

US President Donald Trump, struggling to stem a surge of illegal immigrants across the southern border, vowed on Thursday to impose a tariff on all goods coming from Mexico starting at 5 per cent&nbsp;and ratcheting higher until the flow of border-crossers ceases.

Trump said in a statement that the tariffs would start at 5 per cent&nbsp;on June 10 then go to 10 per cent&nbsp;on July 1, 15 per cent&nbsp;on August&nbsp;1, 20 per cent&nbsp;on September&nbsp;1 and go up to 25 per cent&nbsp;on October&nbsp;1 unless Mexico takes steps to stop the surge.

Trump's move was a dramatic escalation of his battle to control a tide of illegal immigrants that has increased despite his efforts to build a border wall and take other steps.

The US&nbsp;officials said 80,000 people are being held in custody with an average of 4,500 arriving daily.

"If the illegal migration crisis is alleviated through effective actions taken by Mexico, to be determined in our sole discretion and judgment, the tariffs will be removed," Trump said.

"America First is a fallacy," Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told US President Donald Trump in a letter on Thursday, responding to a White House announced it was imposing a blanket 5% tariff on all goods from Mexico from June 10.

"America First is a fallacy," Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told US President Donald Trump in a letter on Thursday, responding to a White House announced it was imposing a blanket 5% tariff on all goods from Mexico from June 10. Lopez Obrador said he wanted to avoid confrontation with the United States, and that ideals such as justice and universal brotherhood were more important than borders. The Mexican president also ordered his foreign minister to travel to Washington on Friday. US President Donald Trump, struggling to stem a surge of illegal immigrants across the southern border, vowed on Thursday to impose a tariff on all goods coming from Mexico starting at 5 per cent and ratcheting higher until the flow of border-crossers ceases. Trump said in a statement that the tariffs would start at 5 per cent on June 10 then go to 10 per cent on July 1, 15 per cent on August 1, 20 per cent on September 1 and go up to 25 per cent on October 1 unless Mexico takes steps to stop the surge. Trump's move was a dramatic escalation of his battle to control a tide of illegal immigrants that has increased despite his efforts to build a border wall and take other steps. The US officials said 80,000 people are being held in custody with an average of 4,500 arriving daily. "If the illegal migration crisis is alleviated through effective actions taken by Mexico, to be determined in our sole discretion and judgment, the tariffs will be removed," Trump said.

'America First is a fallacy,' Mexico's president responds to Trump tariff

Mexico's environment minister resigned on Saturday after causing a commercial flight to be delayed, making her the second top official to depart from the government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-more-white-collar-theft-mexico-orders-end-to-corporate-tax-breaks-220257">President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador</a> in less than a week.

The president's office announced that Josefa Gonzalez Blanco Ortiz Mena, minister of the environment and natural resources, had tendered her resignation, and Lopez Obrador said during a speech on Saturday afternoon he had accepted it.

In her resignation letter, which was published by the president's office, Gonzalez Blanco said that at the start of a work trip on Friday, she had caused a delay to passengers who were travelling on the plane and its crew.

"There is no justification. The true transformation of Mexico requires total alignment with the values of equity and justice," Gonzalez Blanco said. "Nobody should have privileges, and the benefits of one, even in carrying out one's duties, cannot be above the well-being of the majority."

In his afternoon remarks, the president said he had spoken with Gonzalez Blanco that morning, telling her to attend to the matter of the flight delay, adding that she apologized.

"She very honestly told me what had happened and placed her resignation at my disposal and I accepted it," Lopez Obrador said.

Her exit follows Tuesday's resignation of German Martinez, head of Mexico's social security institute (IMSS), who complained budget cuts and lay-offs ordered by Lopez Obrador's finance minister were harming health services for the poor.

Since Lopez Obrador took office in December, the veteran leftist has taken commercial flights after making a campaign pledge to sell his predecessor's luxury presidential plane.

Lopez Obrador has taken an implacable stand against public sector excess and his first budget slashed spending for several major government departments, including the health service.

His austerity drive has caused problems in hospitals, leading to anger over surgery delays, reductions in testing and staffing shortages, hospital directors say.

Mexico's environment minister resigned on Saturday after causing a commercial flight to be delayed, making her the second top official to depart from the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in less than a week.

Mexico's environment minister resigned on Saturday after causing a commercial flight to be delayed, making her the second top official to depart from the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in less than a week. The president's office announced that Josefa Gonzalez Blanco Ortiz Mena, minister of the environment and natural resources, had tendered her resignation, and Lopez Obrador said during a speech on Saturday afternoon he had accepted it. In her resignation letter, which was published by the president's office, Gonzalez Blanco said that at the start of a work trip on Friday, she had caused a delay to passengers who were travelling on the plane and its crew. "There is no justification. The true transformation of Mexico requires total alignment with the values of equity and justice," Gonzalez Blanco said. "Nobody should have privileges, and the benefits of one, even in carrying out one's duties, cannot be above the well-being of the majority." In his afternoon remarks, the president said he had spoken with Gonzalez Blanco that morning, telling her to attend to the matter of the flight delay, adding that she apologized. "She very honestly told me what had happened and placed her resignation at my disposal and I accepted it," Lopez Obrador said. Her exit follows Tuesday's resignation of German Martinez, head of Mexico's social security institute (IMSS), who complained budget cuts and lay-offs ordered by Lopez Obrador's finance minister were harming health services for the poor. Since Lopez Obrador took office in December, the veteran leftist has taken commercial flights after making a campaign pledge to sell his predecessor's luxury presidential plane. Lopez Obrador has taken an implacable stand against public sector excess and his first budget slashed spending for several major government departments, including the health service. His austerity drive has caused problems in hospitals, leading to anger over surgery delays, reductions in testing and staffing shortages, hospital directors say.

Mexico environment minister quits, second top official to exit this week

Ten people were killed Wednesday in a shootout between "presumed members of criminal groups" in Mexico's western state of Michoacan, the regional prosecutor's office said.

The clash that took place near the Arroyo Colorado neighbourhood of Uruapan municipality resulted in a preliminary toll of ten dead and at least four others wounded, the state prosecutor's office said.

Authorities said they found military-grade weapons, ammunition clips and bullets of various calibres at the shootout site.

Michoacan has long dealt with criminal violence, leading to the rise of self defence groups six years ago and the deployment of soldiers to the state in 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-more-white-collar-theft-mexico-orders-end-to-corporate-tax-breaks-220257">Mexico</a> has seen a spike in deadly violence since the government deployed soldiers to crack down on drug trafficking cartels in 2006.

More than 250,000 people have been killed since then, although it remains unclear how many of those are linked to the war on drug cartels.

Ten people were killed Wednesday in a shootout between "presumed members of criminal groups" in Mexico's western state of Michoacan, the regional prosecutor's office said.

Ten people were killed Wednesday in a shootout between "presumed members of criminal groups" in Mexico's western state of Michoacan, the regional prosecutor's office said. The clash that took place near the Arroyo Colorado neighbourhood of Uruapan municipality resulted in a preliminary toll of ten dead and at least four others wounded, the state prosecutor's office said. Authorities said they found military-grade weapons, ammunition clips and bullets of various calibres at the shootout site. Michoacan has long dealt with criminal violence, leading to the rise of self defence groups six years ago and the deployment of soldiers to the state in 2014. Mexico has seen a spike in deadly violence since the government deployed soldiers to crack down on drug trafficking cartels in 2006. More than 250,000 people have been killed since then, although it remains unclear how many of those are linked to the war on drug cartels.

Ten killed in Mexico shootout between alleged criminals

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday his government will order an end to tax forgiveness for the country's largest companies, saying $20 billion in exemptions given by his predecessors was akin to theft by gangsters.

Of the firms that benefited from tax breaks totalling more than 400 billion pesos, 58 are listed on the stock exchange, said Mexico's tax chief Margarita Rios-Farjat at the president's regular news conference.

Nearly a third of the companies listed on the benchmark S&amp;P/BMV IPC received tax breaks, she said.

Lopez Obrador did not reveal the identity of the companies.

"It's like white collar fuel theft," he said, referring to the widespread stealing of gasoline from pipelines by organised crime that his government has tried to crack down on.

"This mechanism has been abused and it will be eliminated," Lopez Obrador added.

In a statement, Alfonso Ramirez Cuellar, a member of Lopez Obrador's leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) who chairs the budget committee in the lower house of Congress, identified major local banks as beneficiaries of tax breaks.

According to Ramirez, publicly available data from 2017 showed that Citigroup's Mexican unit, which is known as Citibanamex, had 53.4 million pesos of tax written off, while its Mexican peer Grupo Financiero Banorte enjoyed a tax break of 30.1 million pesos.

Citibanamex and Banorte did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday his government will order an end to tax forgiveness for the country's largest companies, saying $20 billion in exemptions given by his predecessors was akin to theft by gangsters.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday his government will order an end to tax forgiveness for the country's largest companies, saying $20 billion in exemptions given by his predecessors was akin to theft by gangsters. Of the firms that benefited from tax breaks totalling more than 400 billion pesos, 58 are listed on the stock exchange, said Mexico's tax chief Margarita Rios-Farjat at the president's regular news conference. Nearly a third of the companies listed on the benchmark S&P/BMV IPC received tax breaks, she said. Lopez Obrador did not reveal the identity of the companies. "It's like white collar fuel theft," he said, referring to the widespread stealing of gasoline from pipelines by organised crime that his government has tried to crack down on. "This mechanism has been abused and it will be eliminated," Lopez Obrador added. In a statement, Alfonso Ramirez Cuellar, a member of Lopez Obrador's leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) who chairs the budget committee in the lower house of Congress, identified major local banks as beneficiaries of tax breaks. According to Ramirez, publicly available data from 2017 showed that Citigroup's Mexican unit, which is known as Citibanamex, had 53.4 million pesos of tax written off, while its Mexican peer Grupo Financiero Banorte enjoyed a tax break of 30.1 million pesos. Citibanamex and Banorte did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

No more 'white collar theft': Mexico orders end to corporate tax breaks

Mexicans with missing children led marches on Friday -- when Mother's Day is celebrated here -- to protest the government's failure to find their sons and daughters or bring their cases to justice.

There are more than 40,000 missing persons in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wreckage-of-private-jet-carrying-13-people-found-in-mexico-217150"> Mexico</a>, which has been hit by a wave of violent crime in recent years linked to powerful drug cartels.

Protesters marched in 16 cities -- including around 2,000 people in the capital -- to voice their outrage and anguish over the thousands of clandestine graves that have been discovered in the country, and the tens of thousands of other missing persons who have never been found.

"I've been crying for the past eight years. I just want to know what happened to him," said Maria Guadalupe Aguilar, 64, a demonstrator at the Mexico City march whose eldest son, Jose Luis, disappeared in 2011 on his way to a business meeting in the city of Guadalajara.

"We're raising our voices so that what happened to our children doesn't keep happening," said a sobbing Lourdes de la Cruz, 61, whose youngest son, Daniel, disappeared in the city of Coatzacoalcos along with 30 other people in 2015, when he was 21.

The mothers carried large photographs of their missing children, shouting to passersby, "It could be your children, too."

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gave a Mother's Day message at a press conference, in which he said he was thinking especially of "the mothers who are looking for their missing children."

Critics accuse the leftist leader, who took office in December, of failing to keep his promise to curb the violence plaguing the country.

This year is on track to be the most violent ever, with a record 8,943 murders in the first three months of the year.

Highlighting the problem, gunmen attacked a bus carrying prison guards home for Mother's Day visits in the central town of Puente de Ixtla, killing five people and wounding three others.

The bodies were left splayed on the ground in front of the town's monument to mothers.

The town is located in Morelos state, which has been the scene of turf wars between rival criminal groups.

Mexicans with missing children led marches on Friday -- when Mother's Day is celebrated here -- to protest the government's failure to find their sons and daughters or bring their cases to justice.

Mexicans with missing children led marches on Friday -- when Mother's Day is celebrated here -- to protest the government's failure to find their sons and daughters or bring their cases to justice. There are more than 40,000 missing persons in Mexico, which has been hit by a wave of violent crime in recent years linked to powerful drug cartels. Protesters marched in 16 cities -- including around 2,000 people in the capital -- to voice their outrage and anguish over the thousands of clandestine graves that have been discovered in the country, and the tens of thousands of other missing persons who have never been found. "I've been crying for the past eight years. I just want to know what happened to him," said Maria Guadalupe Aguilar, 64, a demonstrator at the Mexico City march whose eldest son, Jose Luis, disappeared in 2011 on his way to a business meeting in the city of Guadalajara. "We're raising our voices so that what happened to our children doesn't keep happening," said a sobbing Lourdes de la Cruz, 61, whose youngest son, Daniel, disappeared in the city of Coatzacoalcos along with 30 other people in 2015, when he was 21. The mothers carried large photographs of their missing children, shouting to passersby, "It could be your children, too." President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gave a Mother's Day message at a press conference, in which he said he was thinking especially of "the mothers who are looking for their missing children." Critics accuse the leftist leader, who took office in December, of failing to keep his promise to curb the violence plaguing the country. This year is on track to be the most violent ever, with a record 8,943 murders in the first three months of the year. Highlighting the problem, gunmen attacked a bus carrying prison guards home for Mother's Day visits in the central town of Puente de Ixtla, killing five people and wounding three others. The bodies were left splayed on the ground in front of the town's monument to mothers. The town is located in Morelos state, which has been the scene of turf wars between rival criminal groups.

Mexicans march for their missing children on Mother's Day

Tourists looking for sun and sand in Mexican resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum have been disgusted by foul-smelling mounds of sargassum, a seaweed-like algae, piling up on beaches and turning turquoise waters brown, and experts are warning that it may be the new normal.

Mexican beaches threatened by algae invasion

The wreckage of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jet-crashes-in-mountain-region-in-mexico-no-survivors-found-216542">missing private plane</a> that was carrying 13 people has been found in a mountainous area in Mexico`s Coahuila, the state`s public security department said.

Authorities conducted an aerial survey to find the plane which was found in a remote area near Ocampo, CNN reported.

All the 13 bodies were found at the site.

Officials launched a massive search of the plane which went missing since May 5 while it was on its way to Monterrey from Las Vegas, said Coahuila Governor Miguel Riquelme.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hlarFevobx8" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Authorities said that a flight plan showed that 10 passengers and three crew members were aboard the ill-fated jet.

Riquelme said that the plane lost contact and disappeared from radars after flying over Monclova city, situated nearly 180 km north-west of Monterrey.

The aircraft was identified as a Challenger 601 jet manufactured by Canada`s Bombardier Inc.

The reason for the crash is yet to be ascertained.

The wreckage of a missing private plane that was carrying 13 people has been found in a mountainous area in Mexico`s Coahuila, the state`s public security department said.

The wreckage of a missing private plane that was carrying 13 people has been found in a mountainous area in Mexico`s Coahuila, the state`s public security department said. Authorities conducted an aerial survey to find the plane which was found in a remote area near Ocampo, CNN reported. All the 13 bodies were found at the site. Officials launched a massive search of the plane which went missing since May 5 while it was on its way to Monterrey from Las Vegas, said Coahuila Governor Miguel Riquelme. × Authorities said that a flight plan showed that 10 passengers and three crew members were aboard the ill-fated jet. Riquelme said that the plane lost contact and disappeared from radars after flying over Monclova city, situated nearly 180 km north-west of Monterrey. The aircraft was identified as a Challenger 601 jet manufactured by Canada`s Bombardier Inc. The reason for the crash is yet to be ascertained.

Wreckage of missing private jet carrying 13 people found in Mexico

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-terror-group-linked-to-easter-bombings-has-over-rs-140-mn-cash-rs-7-bn-worth-assets-police-216553">Sri Lanka terror group NTJ linked to Easter bombings had millions in cash, assets: Police</a>

The Islamic State-linked Sri Lankan extremist group National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings, has been found possessing more than Rs 9,70 crore in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7,00 crores, police said on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jet-crashes-in-mountain-region-in-mexico-no-survivors-found-216542">Jet crashes in mountain region in Mexico, no survivors found</a>

A plane crash in a remote mountain region in northern Mexico claimed the lives of all 13 people on board, including a family of five that were flying back from watching a boxing match in Las Vegas, authorities and local media said on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pattern-of-aggressive-behaviour-elsewhere-informs-how-it-treats-the-arctic-pompeo-216537">China's pattern of aggressive behaviour elsewhere informs how it treats the Arctic: Pompeo</a>

The US on Monday said it planned to beef up its Arctic presence to keep Russia's and China's "aggressive behaviour" in check in the resource-rich region. "The region has become an arena of global power and competition" owing to vast reserves of oil, gas, minerals and fish stocks, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned in a speech in Rovaniemi, northern Finland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-reneged-on-trade-commitments-sparking-trump-tariff-hike-216534">China reneged on trade commitments, sparking Trump tariff hike: US officials</a>

China backtracked on substantial commitments it made during trade talks with the United States, prompting President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods slated to go into effect on Friday, top US trade officials said on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-election-body-orders-istanbul-vote-re-run-after-erdogans-akp-defeat-216530">Turkey election body orders Istanbul vote re-run after Erdogan's AKP defeat</a>

Turkey's top election body ordered a re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election on Monday after the party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained about its shock defeat in the vote, the state news agency reported.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka terror group NTJ linked to Easter bombings had millions in cash, assets: Police The Islamic State-linked Sri Lankan extremist group National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings, has been found possessing more than Rs 9,70 crore in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7,00 crores, police said on Monday.

Sri Lanka terror group NTJ linked to Easter bombings had millions in cash, assets: Police The Islamic State-linked Sri Lankan extremist group National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings, has been found possessing more than Rs 9,70 crore in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7,00 crores, police said on Monday. Jet crashes in mountain region in Mexico, no survivors found A plane crash in a remote mountain region in northern Mexico claimed the lives of all 13 people on board, including a family of five that were flying back from watching a boxing match in Las Vegas, authorities and local media said on Monday. China's pattern of aggressive behaviour elsewhere informs how it treats the Arctic: Pompeo The US on Monday said it planned to beef up its Arctic presence to keep Russia's and China's "aggressive behaviour" in check in the resource-rich region. "The region has become an arena of global power and competition" owing to vast reserves of oil, gas, minerals and fish stocks, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned in a speech in Rovaniemi, northern Finland. China reneged on trade commitments, sparking Trump tariff hike: US officials China backtracked on substantial commitments it made during trade talks with the United States, prompting President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods slated to go into effect on Friday, top US trade officials said on Monday. Turkey election body orders Istanbul vote re-run after Erdogan's AKP defeat Turkey's top election body ordered a re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election on Monday after the party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained about its shock defeat in the vote, the state news agency reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A private jet carrying boxing fans crashed in Mexico after leaving Las Vegas on Sunday leaving 13 people dead. Watch full video to know more.

13 killed after a private plane crashes in Mexico

A plane crash in a remote mountain region in northern Mexico claimed the lives of all 13 people on board, including a family of five that were flying back from watching a boxing match in Las Vegas, authorities and local media said on Monday.

The wreckage of a private jet that disappeared while flying from Las Vegas to Monterrey, in northern Mexico, was found on Monday, with no sign that any of the 13 people on board survived, officials said.

Air-traffic controllers said they lost contact with the Bombardier Challenger 601 jet Sunday evening, after it abruptly lost altitude over the state of Coahuila, in northern Mexico.

"On an overflight of the area, (officials) sighted the remains of the aircraft in a mountainous, difficult-to-access area in the municipality of Ocampo, Coahuila," the state public security ministry said in a statement.

"No survivors were observed."

Images of the wreckage on Mexican TV showed the badly charred and shattered remains of the fuselage, with only the wings and tail left intact.

A state aviation official had initially said there were 11 passengers on board the plane, but the ministry corrected the figure to 10, plus three crew: the pilot, the copilot and a flight attendant.

According to Mexican media reports, authorities believe the charter jet was flying a group of passengers back from Saturday night's middleweight title fight in Las Vegas, in which Mexican boxer Saul "Canelo" Alvarez defeated Daniel Jacobs of the United States.

Its destination was the wealthy industrial city of Monterrey, in Nuevo Leon state, which borders Coahuila.

It is a three-hour flight from Las Vegas, in the US state of Nevada, to Monterrey.

Authorities said bad weather could have played a part in the crash.

"There has been a lot of atmospheric activity and instability recently. Over the past four days, we've had rainstorms, hail and winds with gusts of more than 60 kilometers per hour," Francisco Martinez, Coahuila's deputy public safety minister, told TV network Milenio.

A plane crash in a remote mountain region in northern Mexico claimed the lives of all 13 people on board, including a family of five that were flying back from watching a boxing match in Las Vegas, authorities and local media said on Monday.

A plane crash in a remote mountain region in northern Mexico claimed the lives of all 13 people on board, including a family of five that were flying back from watching a boxing match in Las Vegas, authorities and local media said on Monday. The wreckage of a private jet that disappeared while flying from Las Vegas to Monterrey, in northern Mexico, was found on Monday, with no sign that any of the 13 people on board survived, officials said. Air-traffic controllers said they lost contact with the Bombardier Challenger 601 jet Sunday evening, after it abruptly lost altitude over the state of Coahuila, in northern Mexico. "On an overflight of the area, (officials) sighted the remains of the aircraft in a mountainous, difficult-to-access area in the municipality of Ocampo, Coahuila," the state public security ministry said in a statement. "No survivors were observed." Images of the wreckage on Mexican TV showed the badly charred and shattered remains of the fuselage, with only the wings and tail left intact. A state aviation official had initially said there were 11 passengers on board the plane, but the ministry corrected the figure to 10, plus three crew: the pilot, the copilot and a flight attendant. According to Mexican media reports, authorities believe the charter jet was flying a group of passengers back from Saturday night's middleweight title fight in Las Vegas, in which Mexican boxer Saul "Canelo" Alvarez defeated Daniel Jacobs of the United States. Its destination was the wealthy industrial city of Monterrey, in Nuevo Leon state, which borders Coahuila. It is a three-hour flight from Las Vegas, in the US state of Nevada, to Monterrey. Authorities said bad weather could have played a part in the crash. "There has been a lot of atmospheric activity and instability recently. Over the past four days, we've had rainstorms, hail and winds with gusts of more than 60 kilometers per hour," Francisco Martinez, Coahuila's deputy public safety minister, told TV network Milenio.

Jet crashes in mountain region in Mexico, no survivors found

New Mexico`s state fairgrounds will begin to house dozens of migrant families to take the pressure off border cities facing a surge in asylum seekers with no help from the federal government,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/america-to-decide-fate-of-key-houses-in-us-midterm-elections-175800&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdn7azn_rhAhXKLI8KHW1jAtUQFjAHegQIBhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw27BocEl-9IUo-99BcF_oAw"> Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham</a> said on Tuesday.

Dormitories at state-run Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque could eventually provide temporary accommodation to up to 240 people, making it one of the largest migrant shelters in the state, according to state and city authorities.

Lujan Grisham has called for a humanitarian response to the rise in asylum seekers, condemning a "charade of fear-mongering" by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who has variously warned of a migrant "crisis" and "invasion" at the country`s southern border with Mexico.

"The federal government has not provided shelter or timely adjudication at the border leaving migrants without any means to make arrangements to get to their sponsors or family members in the United States," according to a joint statement by the governor and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, both Democrats.

Migrant shelters in border cities like El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, are at or near capacity as record numbers of mainly Central American families cross the border to seek asylum.

The mayors of New Mexico`s three largest cities - Las Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe - have offered resources to help charities and faith-based organizations care for migrants after they are dropped off by US immigration authorities.

"Burqueños (Albuquerque residents) of every faith, ethnicity, and background have come together where the federal government has failed," Keller said in the statement.&nbsp;

Las Cruces has received over 2,400 migrants since the US&nbsp;Border Patrol began to release them directly to shelters on April 12, said Claudia Tristan, a spokeswoman for Lujan Grisham.&nbsp;

Expo New Mexico will absorb the cost of housing migrants and no scheduled activities will be disrupted at the area which hosts the annual state fair, Tristan said.

The centre can immediately house 60 migrants and has the capacity to house up to 240 once minor repairs are undertaken to dormitories, said spokesman Wyndham Kemsley.

Charities will continue to provide food and medical services to migrants, who will spend a night or two at the centre before travelling on to final destinations in the United States, the statement said.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokeswoman Leticia Zamarripa said her agency would work with El Paso`s Annunciation House migrant organization to coordinate transportation of migrants to the Expo New Mexico.&nbsp;

US Customs and Border Protection, which runs US&nbsp;Border Patrol, did not respond to a request for comment.

New Mexico`s state fairgrounds will begin to house dozens of migrant families to take the pressure off border cities facing a surge in asylum seekers with no help from the federal government, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Tuesday.

New Mexico`s state fairgrounds will begin to house dozens of migrant families to take the pressure off border cities facing a surge in asylum seekers with no help from the federal government, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Tuesday. Dormitories at state-run Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque could eventually provide temporary accommodation to up to 240 people, making it one of the largest migrant shelters in the state, according to state and city authorities. Lujan Grisham has called for a humanitarian response to the rise in asylum seekers, condemning a "charade of fear-mongering" by US President Donald Trump, who has variously warned of a migrant "crisis" and "invasion" at the country`s southern border with Mexico. "The federal government has not provided shelter or timely adjudication at the border leaving migrants without any means to make arrangements to get to their sponsors or family members in the United States," according to a joint statement by the governor and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, both Democrats. Migrant shelters in border cities like El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, are at or near capacity as record numbers of mainly Central American families cross the border to seek asylum. The mayors of New Mexico`s three largest cities - Las Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe - have offered resources to help charities and faith-based organizations care for migrants after they are dropped off by US immigration authorities. "Burqueños (Albuquerque residents) of every faith, ethnicity, and background have come together where the federal government has failed," Keller said in the statement. Las Cruces has received over 2,400 migrants since the US Border Patrol began to release them directly to shelters on April 12, said Claudia Tristan, a spokeswoman for Lujan Grisham. Expo New Mexico will absorb the cost of housing migrants and no scheduled activities will be disrupted at the area which hosts the annual state fair, Tristan said. The centre can immediately house 60 migrants and has the capacity to house up to 240 once minor repairs are undertaken to dormitories, said spokesman Wyndham Kemsley. Charities will continue to provide food and medical services to migrants, who will spend a night or two at the centre before travelling on to final destinations in the United States, the statement said. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokeswoman Leticia Zamarripa said her agency would work with El Paso`s Annunciation House migrant organization to coordinate transportation of migrants to the Expo New Mexico. US Customs and Border Protection, which runs US Border Patrol, did not respond to a request for comment.

New Mexico opens state migrant shelter, criticises federal inaction

Over 600 "illegal" migrants were apprehended from Sunland Park and Antelope Wells here in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Around 424 migrants were detained after midnight in Sunland Park, while 230 refugees were arrested from Antelope Wells here at around 2 am, as per Sputnik.

"This is an ongoing situation that<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-sending-armed-soldiers-to-mexico-border-trump-213252&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBmJvtjPrhAhXFto8KHWwRDiUQFjAGegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oJfEDkqcE_WN4vVUBZT8q"> US Border Patrol </a>agents are facing in southern New Mexico: hundreds of parents and children being encountered by agents after having faced a dangerous journey in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers", CBP said in a statement.

The agency further accused criminal organisations of continuing "to exploit innocent human lives in order to enhance their illicit activities without due regard to the risks of human life".

"In most cases, these smugglers never cross the border themselves in order to avoid apprehension," CBP said.

US President Donald Trump has often voiced his disdain regarding the influx of migrants from the US-Mexico border, calling for the construction of a wall on the border.

The Democrats have repeatedly objected to this proposal, slamming Trump`s demand for funds towards the barrier`s construction.

In fact, an impasse between the US lawmakers and Trump regarding funding for the wall led to the country experiencing its longest-ever shutdown recently.

Over 600 "illegal" migrants were apprehended from Sunland Park and Antelope Wells here in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Over 600 "illegal" migrants were apprehended from Sunland Park and Antelope Wells here in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Around 424 migrants were detained after midnight in Sunland Park, while 230 refugees were arrested from Antelope Wells here at around 2 am, as per Sputnik. "This is an ongoing situation that US Border Patrol agents are facing in southern New Mexico: hundreds of parents and children being encountered by agents after having faced a dangerous journey in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers", CBP said in a statement. The agency further accused criminal organisations of continuing "to exploit innocent human lives in order to enhance their illicit activities without due regard to the risks of human life". "In most cases, these smugglers never cross the border themselves in order to avoid apprehension," CBP said. US President Donald Trump has often voiced his disdain regarding the influx of migrants from the US-Mexico border, calling for the construction of a wall on the border. The Democrats have repeatedly objected to this proposal, slamming Trump`s demand for funds towards the barrier`s construction. In fact, an impasse between the US lawmakers and Trump regarding funding for the wall led to the country experiencing its longest-ever shutdown recently.

US authorities detain over 600 migrants near the US border

The FBI on Saturday said it had arrested Larry Hopkins, a member of an armed group of US citizens who have been stopping migrants illegally crossing the US-Mexico border in New Mexico.

Hopkins, 69, also known as Johnny Horton, was arrested in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on a federal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a statement.

Hopkins had represented himself as the commander of the United Constitutional Patriots (UCP), a volunteer group camped out near Sunland Park since late February. The UCP has posted videos showing their members holding migrants, many of them Central American families with children seeking asylum, until US&nbsp;Border Patrol arrives to arrest them.

The group drew a complaint from the American Civil Liberties Union, and widespread media attention, after an April 16 video showed a group of around 300 migrants surrendering to the UCP at their camp.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday said citizens had no authority to arrest or detain anyone and police and justice officials were looking into the UCP’s activities.

Hector Balderas, New Mexico’s attorney general, described Hopkins as “a dangerous felon who should not have weapons around children and families.”

“Today’s arrest by the FBI indicates clearly that the rule of law should be in the hands of trained law enforcement officials, not armed vigilantes,” Balderas said in a statement.

Hopkins, of Flora Vista, New Mexico, is expected to have an initial appearance in US District Court in Las Cruces, N.M., on Monday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. (1230 ET), the FBI said.

The FBI on Saturday said it had arrested Larry Hopkins, a member of an armed group of US citizens who have been stopping migrants illegally crossing the US-Mexico border in New Mexico.

The FBI on Saturday said it had arrested Larry Hopkins, a member of an armed group of US citizens who have been stopping migrants illegally crossing the US-Mexico border in New Mexico. Hopkins, 69, also known as Johnny Horton, was arrested in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on a federal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. Hopkins had represented himself as the commander of the United Constitutional Patriots (UCP), a volunteer group camped out near Sunland Park since late February. The UCP has posted videos showing their members holding migrants, many of them Central American families with children seeking asylum, until US Border Patrol arrives to arrest them. The group drew a complaint from the American Civil Liberties Union, and widespread media attention, after an April 16 video showed a group of around 300 migrants surrendering to the UCP at their camp. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday said citizens had no authority to arrest or detain anyone and police and justice officials were looking into the UCP’s activities. Hector Balderas, New Mexico’s attorney general, described Hopkins as “a dangerous felon who should not have weapons around children and families.” “Today’s arrest by the FBI indicates clearly that the rule of law should be in the hands of trained law enforcement officials, not armed vigilantes,” Balderas said in a statement. Hopkins, of Flora Vista, New Mexico, is expected to have an initial appearance in US District Court in Las Cruces, N.M., on Monday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. (1230 ET), the FBI said.

FBI arrests member of armed group stopping migrants US-Mexico border

Mexico said on Saturday it had “deep concern” about armed groups that intimidate and extort migrants on the border, shortly after the ACLU and Democratic senators called for a probe into such citizen efforts to block migrants from crossing.

“These types of practices can drive human rights abuses of people who migrate or request asylum or refuge in the United States,” Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry said in a statement, referring to “militia groups” in New Mexico.

It added that patrols “on the margins” of the law create risks for the safety of migrants.

On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico condemned the United Constitutional Patriots, which patrols the southern US&nbsp;border in New Mexico, as a “fascist militia organization” operating outside the law.

The group has posted videos showing members dressed in camouflage and armed with semi-automatic rifles holding groups of migrants, many Central American families seeking asylum, until US&nbsp;Border Patrol agents arrive.

The small volunteer group says it is helping the Border Patrol deal with a surge in undocumented migrants at the southern border. US&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s administration has toughened various policies and put pressure on Mexico in an attempt to discourage people from attempting to cross into the United States illegally.

Along with the ACLU, New Mexico Democratic senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall also called for an investigation into the border group.

“Threatening innocent children and families fleeing violence and seeking asylum is unacceptable and flies in the face of our values as a state and a nation,” they said in a joint statement on Twitter on Friday.

Mexico said on Saturday it had “deep concern” about armed groups that intimidate and extort migrants on the border, shortly after the ACLU and Democratic senators called for a probe into such citizen efforts to block migrants from crossing.

Mexico said on Saturday it had “deep concern” about armed groups that intimidate and extort migrants on the border, shortly after the ACLU and Democratic senators called for a probe into such citizen efforts to block migrants from crossing. “These types of practices can drive human rights abuses of people who migrate or request asylum or refuge in the United States,” Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry said in a statement, referring to “militia groups” in New Mexico. It added that patrols “on the margins” of the law create risks for the safety of migrants. On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico condemned the United Constitutional Patriots, which patrols the southern US border in New Mexico, as a “fascist militia organization” operating outside the law. The group has posted videos showing members dressed in camouflage and armed with semi-automatic rifles holding groups of migrants, many Central American families seeking asylum, until US Border Patrol agents arrive. The small volunteer group says it is helping the Border Patrol deal with a surge in undocumented migrants at the southern border. US President Donald Trump’s administration has toughened various policies and put pressure on Mexico in an attempt to discourage people from attempting to cross into the United States illegally. Along with the ACLU, New Mexico Democratic senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall also called for an investigation into the border group. “Threatening innocent children and families fleeing violence and seeking asylum is unacceptable and flies in the face of our values as a state and a nation,” they said in a joint statement on Twitter on Friday.

Mexico warns of 'deep concern' over armed groups on US border

Amid pressure from Washington, Mexico is back-pedalling on promises of better treatment for Central American migrants, leaving hundreds stranded in unsanitary camps near its southern border and allegations of irregular detentions.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised more humane treatment for Central American migrants when he took office in December. His left-leaning government issued thousands of year-long humanitarian visas in January, giving migrants legal access to jobs and the right to travel to the United States.

However, caught off guard by a surge in arrivals, Lopez Obrador's administration is resorting to old tactics based on tough law enforcement.

Mexico has halted the liberal visa policy and ramped up detentions of migrants heading north, government data shows, following criticism from US President Donald Trump of a jump in the number of Central American asylum seekers reaching the US&nbsp;border in February.

Trump, who is expected to make border security central to his 2020 re-election bid, has vowed to limit trade with Mexico if it does not help slow immigration.

While Lopez Obrador's government has said it will not react to "threats", sources familiar with Mexican policy, who asked not to be identified, said near-daily US government pressure had led the interior and foreign ministries to push the National Migration Institute (INM) for tougher action.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Unreleased INM data, reviewed by Reuters, showed that it detained 12,746 undocumented migrants for registration in March, up by nearly one-third from February and two-thirds from January.

The agency also stopped processing new applications for humanitarian visas on Jan. 28, after issuing some 13,000 - mostly to Central Americans arriving that month in the southern border state of Chiapas, the site of most migrant arrivals.

A few thousand more visas were issued in February, but none since, said an INM official in Mexico City, who was not officially authorized to speak to the media and asked to remain anonymous.

INM said in a statement earlier this month it remained open to issuing humanitarian visas in Chiapas, with priority given to women, children and the elderly.

In Chiapas, the INM's decision to close its main office in the border city of Tapachula a month ago has forced hundreds of migrants to travel 65 miles (105 km) north to the smaller town of Mapastepec, where they have languished in sweltering temperatures, hoping for humanitarian visas.

"It's madness that they're making us wait so long. For what? For nothing!" said Daisy Maldonado, a 26-year-old from Honduras, camping in a field in Mapastepec opposite a sports stadium.

Hundreds of bedraggled men, women and children have been sheltering for nearly three weeks inside the stadium, as migration officials registered their identities while neglecting the group camped over the road, rights groups and migrants said.

Without water, medical help or government attention, Maldonado's group was dependent on scant handouts from locals, they said. Maldonado's daughter, Marisol, 5, wailed with hunger beside her, in a bivouac she had built from dried palm branches.

A coalition of over a dozen human rights and humanitarian aid groups operating in Chiapas has called the buildup of stranded migrants a "humanitarian crisis," and said the confusion over visas was worsening the plight of migrants.

"The government is responding with practices and repressive methods similar to the previous administration in terms of control and deportation, but in a way that's even more disorderly," said Salva Lacruz, a coordinator at Fray Matias de Cordova, a migrant group that operates in Chiapas. "In some ways, it's worse."

INM Commissioner Tonatiuh Guillén López said in a recent interview his agency was taking a "stricter" approach in southern Mexico because of the influx of migrants in Chiapas. However, he denied that was a response to US pressure and said Mexico was pressing ahead with more humane migration policies.

'HUMANITARIAN CRISIS'

INM officials said they closed the main regional office in Tapachula on March 15 after Cuban migrants stormed the premises, enraged that they were not seeing faster results.

Rights groups and migrants, however, dispute this.

Nonetheless, the closure has created a bottleneck of visa applicants, hundreds of whom headed north to Mapastepec.

On Saturday, INM suddenly halted registration at the stadium in Mapastepec and said migrants would have to wait at least a month longer.

INM said work had been stopped after some migrants had caused a disturbance requiring police to intervene and registration would continue at another site, without providing details.

Even those who had been registered inside the stadium had been given no indication from INM officials if or when they would receive humanitarian visas almost two weeks after being processed, said Silvia Rodriguez, 26, a Honduran citizen.

On Wednesday, the INM said it would not issue any humanitarian visas in Mapastepec, but migrants would instead be able to request a seven-day permit to visit Mexico's southern border states, which would not allow them to journey northward.

It also said migrants would be notified of that once an evaluation of the registrants was completed.

Despite the uncertainty, many migrants preferred to wait to request legal status before continuing their journey in caravans. Migrants who travel alone and without papers in Mexico are frequent prey for kidnappers and smugglers, in addition to risking detention or extortion by police.

Erick Morazan, a 28-year-old from Honduras, said he traveled to Mapastepec by night with a group of other migrants to avoid sweeps by immigration officials, in what he called a "caravan of zombies."

"Migration officials are grabbing us like pigs," said Morazan, travelling with two children.

In an effort to stem the build up of migrants in Chiapas, INM said this month that citizens of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala will be able to register for the visas through Mexican consulates in their home countries from late May.

DETENTION OVERCROWDING

While INM closed its registration offices in Tapachula, a detention centre at the site remains open. An increase in detentions in the border area means the site is crammed with 1,700 people, the rights collective said in its report.

That's about double its capacity and double the usual number held there, according to migrant group Fray Matias, which monitors the centre.

The collective reported black eyes and bruised bodies among detainees it said were the result of beatings by police who entered the centre to control a disturbance last week. Reuters was not able to independently verify this.

Mexican law enforcement representatives did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Lacruz of Fray Matias said at least 30 migrants had been irregularly detained at the Tapachula facility despite having applied for asylum with the Mexican Refugee Help Commission (COMAR), in contravention of Mexican law.

INM did not respond to requests for comment about the allegations of overcrowding and irregular detentions.

The institute says that migrants held in its facilities are not detained but are simply being held for processing, though rights groups and migrants say they are not free to leave, often for days or weeks.

Many undocumented migrants are also deported after processing in the centres. Mexico flew about 60 Cubans back to the island this month and sent 204 Hondurans home on Saturday.

Richard Pioenza, a US citizen originally from Cuba, said his wife Yildiz Gomez had been held more than 20 days in the centre despite having papers showing she had applied for asylum.

"She's inside. She's not eating well," Pioenza said. "She's sleeping on the floor."

Reuters was unable to contact Gomez directly.

Pioenza said his wife applied for refugee status after arriving in Mexico in March to ease her passage to the US&nbsp;border where she was planning to apply for asylum from political repression in Cuba.

After a request from Reuters for verification on Gomez and five other cases of suspected irregular detentions, the Mexican refugee agency said on Monday it would send a team to the centre.

Amid pressure from Washington, Mexico is back-pedalling on promises of better treatment for Central American migrants, leaving hundreds stranded in unsanitary camps near its southern border and allegations of irregular detentions.

Amid pressure from Washington, Mexico is back-pedalling on promises of better treatment for Central American migrants, leaving hundreds stranded in unsanitary camps near its southern border and allegations of irregular detentions. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised more humane treatment for Central American migrants when he took office in December. His left-leaning government issued thousands of year-long humanitarian visas in January, giving migrants legal access to jobs and the right to travel to the United States. However, caught off guard by a surge in arrivals, Lopez Obrador's administration is resorting to old tactics based on tough law enforcement. Mexico has halted the liberal visa policy and ramped up detentions of migrants heading north, government data shows, following criticism from US President Donald Trump of a jump in the number of Central American asylum seekers reaching the US border in February. Trump, who is expected to make border security central to his 2020 re-election bid, has vowed to limit trade with Mexico if it does not help slow immigration. While Lopez Obrador's government has said it will not react to "threats", sources familiar with Mexican policy, who asked not to be identified, said near-daily US government pressure had led the interior and foreign ministries to push the National Migration Institute (INM) for tougher action. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Unreleased INM data, reviewed by Reuters, showed that it detained 12,746 undocumented migrants for registration in March, up by nearly one-third from February and two-thirds from January. The agency also stopped processing new applications for humanitarian visas on Jan. 28, after issuing some 13,000 - mostly to Central Americans arriving that month in the southern border state of Chiapas, the site of most migrant arrivals. A few thousand more visas were issued in February, but none since, said an INM official in Mexico City, who was not officially authorized to speak to the media and asked to remain anonymous. INM said in a statement earlier this month it remained open to issuing humanitarian visas in Chiapas, with priority given to women, children and the elderly. In Chiapas, the INM's decision to close its main office in the border city of Tapachula a month ago has forced hundreds of migrants to travel 65 miles (105 km) north to the smaller town of Mapastepec, where they have languished in sweltering temperatures, hoping for humanitarian visas. "It's madness that they're making us wait so long. For what? For nothing!" said Daisy Maldonado, a 26-year-old from Honduras, camping in a field in Mapastepec opposite a sports stadium. Hundreds of bedraggled men, women and children have been sheltering for nearly three weeks inside the stadium, as migration officials registered their identities while neglecting the group camped over the road, rights groups and migrants said. Without water, medical help or government attention, Maldonado's group was dependent on scant handouts from locals, they said. Maldonado's daughter, Marisol, 5, wailed with hunger beside her, in a bivouac she had built from dried palm branches. A coalition of over a dozen human rights and humanitarian aid groups operating in Chiapas has called the buildup of stranded migrants a "humanitarian crisis," and said the confusion over visas was worsening the plight of migrants. "The government is responding with practices and repressive methods similar to the previous administration in terms of control and deportation, but in a way that's even more disorderly," said Salva Lacruz, a coordinator at Fray Matias de Cordova, a migrant group that operates in Chiapas. "In some ways, it's worse." INM Commissioner Tonatiuh Guillén López said in a recent interview his agency was taking a "stricter" approach in southern Mexico because of the influx of migrants in Chiapas. However, he denied that was a response to US pressure and said Mexico was pressing ahead with more humane migration policies. 'HUMANITARIAN CRISIS' INM officials said they closed the main regional office in Tapachula on March 15 after Cuban migrants stormed the premises, enraged that they were not seeing faster results. Rights groups and migrants, however, dispute this. Nonetheless, the closure has created a bottleneck of visa applicants, hundreds of whom headed north to Mapastepec. On Saturday, INM suddenly halted registration at the stadium in Mapastepec and said migrants would have to wait at least a month longer. INM said work had been stopped after some migrants had caused a disturbance requiring police to intervene and registration would continue at another site, without providing details. Even those who had been registered inside the stadium had been given no indication from INM officials if or when they would receive humanitarian visas almost two weeks after being processed, said Silvia Rodriguez, 26, a Honduran citizen. On Wednesday, the INM said it would not issue any humanitarian visas in Mapastepec, but migrants would instead be able to request a seven-day permit to visit Mexico's southern border states, which would not allow them to journey northward. It also said migrants would be notified of that once an evaluation of the registrants was completed. Despite the uncertainty, many migrants preferred to wait to request legal status before continuing their journey in caravans. Migrants who travel alone and without papers in Mexico are frequent prey for kidnappers and smugglers, in addition to risking detention or extortion by police. Erick Morazan, a 28-year-old from Honduras, said he traveled to Mapastepec by night with a group of other migrants to avoid sweeps by immigration officials, in what he called a "caravan of zombies." "Migration officials are grabbing us like pigs," said Morazan, travelling with two children. In an effort to stem the build up of migrants in Chiapas, INM said this month that citizens of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala will be able to register for the visas through Mexican consulates in their home countries from late May. DETENTION OVERCROWDING While INM closed its registration offices in Tapachula, a detention centre at the site remains open. An increase in detentions in the border area means the site is crammed with 1,700 people, the rights collective said in its report. That's about double its capacity and double the usual number held there, according to migrant group Fray Matias, which monitors the centre. The collective reported black eyes and bruised bodies among detainees it said were the result of beatings by police who entered the centre to control a disturbance last week. Reuters was not able to independently verify this. Mexican law enforcement representatives did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Lacruz of Fray Matias said at least 30 migrants had been irregularly detained at the Tapachula facility despite having applied for asylum with the Mexican Refugee Help Commission (COMAR), in contravention of Mexican law. INM did not respond to requests for comment about the allegations of overcrowding and irregular detentions. The institute says that migrants held in its facilities are not detained but are simply being held for processing, though rights groups and migrants say they are not free to leave, often for days or weeks. Many undocumented migrants are also deported after processing in the centres. Mexico flew about 60 Cubans back to the island this month and sent 204 Hondurans home on Saturday. Richard Pioenza, a US citizen originally from Cuba, said his wife Yildiz Gomez had been held more than 20 days in the centre despite having papers showing she had applied for asylum. "She's inside. She's not eating well," Pioenza said. "She's sleeping on the floor." Reuters was unable to contact Gomez directly. Pioenza said his wife applied for refugee status after arriving in Mexico in March to ease her passage to the US border where she was planning to apply for asylum from political repression in Cuba. After a request from Reuters for verification on Gomez and five other cases of suspected irregular detentions, the Mexican refugee agency said on Monday it would send a team to the centre.

Migrant camps overflow as Mexico cracks down after Trump threats

mexico

Mexico, News on Mexico, stories on Mexico, articles on Mexico, Mexico stories at Wion, Mexico news, Mexico latest news