Asylum seekers hoping to enter the US via its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-1500-caravan-migrants-arrive-at-us-border-177596">southern border</a> will have to wait in Mexico while they are assessed, President Donald Trump announced Saturday, appearing to confirm a report about a bilateral deal published by The Washington Post.

The move was cautiously welcomed by some refugees currently at the border, even as Mexico's incoming interior minister Olga Sanchez Cordero, who was quoted by the Post as confirming the agreement, later issued a denial.

"Migrants at the Southern Border will not be allowed into the United States until their claims are individually approved in court," Trump wrote on Twitter.

He added that the US "will allow those who come into our Country legally" and emphasized: "All will stay in Mexico."

The deal, which would overhaul US border policy, comes with Trump outraged over the presence of thousands of Central American migrants who marched to Mexico's border city of Tijuana hoping to enter the US for a better life free from the poverty and gang violence in their homelands.

"For now, we have agreed to this policy of Remain in Mexico," the Post quoted Sanchez Cordero as saying. The government of new President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will enter office on December 1.

But her office later issued a statement saying: "There is no agreement of any type between the future federal government of Mexico and that of the United States of America."

Trump has sent almost 6,000 soldiers to the Mexican border in support of Customs and Border Protection agents and National Guard troops already there, to forestall what Trump has called an "invasion" by "very bad people."

After a trek of more than a month from Honduras, nearly 5,000 migrants -- including women and children -- are now in Tijuana living in a makeshift shelter.

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A potential breakthrough

Trump "is within his right. He is in his government," but he is not like other presidents in his views of migrants, said a resident of the shelter, Carolina Flores, 38, of Honduras.

"He sees us as a bug that is going to eat there," she added. "We come for an opportunity!"

Another Honduran in the shelter, Orlinda Morales, 31, a housewife, said the reported new asylum rules seem "very good" because migrants will not be in limbo. "We will get work here," she said.

Hundreds of the migrants lined up this week at a special jobs fair set up for them in the manufacturing city, but others remain determined to reach the US.

No formal agreement has been signed, the Post said, but US officials view the deal, which would see would-be refugees' cases heard by US courts in Mexico, as a potential breakthrough in deterring migration.

US asylum officers will begin implementing the new procedures in coming days or weeks, Homeland Security officials cited by the Post said.

Asylum seekers will be given an initial screening to determine whether they face imminent danger by staying in Mexico, where violence is widespread.

Deportation to the homeland

American officials will be able to process at least twice as many asylum claims under the new system because they would not be limited by detention space at US ports of entry, the Post report said.

It added that under the new rules, an applicant whose asylum claim is denied would not be allowed to return to Mexico but would remain in US custody pending immediate deportation to his or her home country.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made no mention of a deal but said that he and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen had "a constructive meeting" with Mexico's future foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard over the caravans.

"We have affirmed our shared commitment to addressing the current challenge. The caravans will not be permitted to enter the United States. There are real dangers to the safety and human rights of migrants from those who would prey on them," Pompeo said.

He added that he was looking forward to working with Mexico's new government, including on ways to spur job creation "to benefit the government and people of Mexico."

In 2018, border patrols registered more than 400,000 illegal crossers, according to Homeland Security, and in the last five years, the number of those requesting asylum has increased by 2,000 per cent.

Less than 10 per cent of cases result in asylum being granted, the government says.

Last week, a US federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from denying asylum to people who enter the country illegally.

The president issued a proclamation earlier this month saying that only people who enter the US at official checkpoints -- as opposed to sneaking across the border -- can apply for asylum.

&nbsp;

Asylum seekers hoping to enter the US via its southern border will have to wait in Mexico while they are assessed, President Donald Trump announced Saturday, appearing to confirm a report about a bilateral deal published by The Washington Post.

Asylum seekers hoping to enter the US via its southern border will have to wait in Mexico while they are assessed, President Donald Trump announced Saturday, appearing to confirm a report about a bilateral deal published by The Washington Post. The move was cautiously welcomed by some refugees currently at the border, even as Mexico's incoming interior minister Olga Sanchez Cordero, who was quoted by the Post as confirming the agreement, later issued a denial. "Migrants at the Southern Border will not be allowed into the United States until their claims are individually approved in court," Trump wrote on Twitter. He added that the US "will allow those who come into our Country legally" and emphasized: "All will stay in Mexico." The deal, which would overhaul US border policy, comes with Trump outraged over the presence of thousands of Central American migrants who marched to Mexico's border city of Tijuana hoping to enter the US for a better life free from the poverty and gang violence in their homelands. "For now, we have agreed to this policy of Remain in Mexico," the Post quoted Sanchez Cordero as saying. The government of new President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will enter office on December 1. But her office later issued a statement saying: "There is no agreement of any type between the future federal government of Mexico and that of the United States of America." Trump has sent almost 6,000 soldiers to the Mexican border in support of Customs and Border Protection agents and National Guard troops already there, to forestall what Trump has called an "invasion" by "very bad people." After a trek of more than a month from Honduras, nearly 5,000 migrants -- including women and children -- are now in Tijuana living in a makeshift shelter. × A potential breakthrough Trump "is within his right. He is in his government," but he is not like other presidents in his views of migrants, said a resident of the shelter, Carolina Flores, 38, of Honduras. "He sees us as a bug that is going to eat there," she added. "We come for an opportunity!" Another Honduran in the shelter, Orlinda Morales, 31, a housewife, said the reported new asylum rules seem "very good" because migrants will not be in limbo. "We will get work here," she said. Hundreds of the migrants lined up this week at a special jobs fair set up for them in the manufacturing city, but others remain determined to reach the US. No formal agreement has been signed, the Post said, but US officials view the deal, which would see would-be refugees' cases heard by US courts in Mexico, as a potential breakthrough in deterring migration. US asylum officers will begin implementing the new procedures in coming days or weeks, Homeland Security officials cited by the Post said. Asylum seekers will be given an initial screening to determine whether they face imminent danger by staying in Mexico, where violence is widespread. Deportation to the homeland American officials will be able to process at least twice as many asylum claims under the new system because they would not be limited by detention space at US ports of entry, the Post report said. It added that under the new rules, an applicant whose asylum claim is denied would not be allowed to return to Mexico but would remain in US custody pending immediate deportation to his or her home country. In a statement issued on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made no mention of a deal but said that he and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen had "a constructive meeting" with Mexico's future foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard over the caravans. "We have affirmed our shared commitment to addressing the current challenge. The caravans will not be permitted to enter the United States. There are real dangers to the safety and human rights of migrants from those who would prey on them," Pompeo said. He added that he was looking forward to working with Mexico's new government, including on ways to spur job creation "to benefit the government and people of Mexico." In 2018, border patrols registered more than 400,000 illegal crossers, according to Homeland Security, and in the last five years, the number of those requesting asylum has increased by 2,000 per cent. Less than 10 per cent of cases result in asylum being granted, the government says. Last week, a US federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from denying asylum to people who enter the country illegally. The president issued a proclamation earlier this month saying that only people who enter the US at official checkpoints -- as opposed to sneaking across the border -- can apply for asylum.

All migrants at border to be held in Mexico while they're assessed: Trump

Unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable migrants risk falling victim to crime in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where thousands of Central Americans from caravans may be stuck for months as authorities tighten up asylum rules, advocates say.

Some 4,600 migrants from the bedraggled caravans whose advance has angered US President Donald Trump are camped out with blankets and little food in an overcrowded stadium in Tijuana, whose mayor has declared a "humanitarian crisis."

Trump has sent troops to the US-Mexico border, authorized the use of lethal force and threatened to shut down the frontier entirely if the migrant caravans are not stopped.

Among the Central Americans, many of whom are Hondurans fleeing violence and poverty in the struggling region, are about 80 minors between the ages of 10 and 17, according to migrants rights groups.

Josue, a 15-year-old Honduran in Tijuana, said that during a previous attempt to cross into the United States last year he was kidnapped and badly beaten in Mexico by drug traffickers claiming to be from the notorious Zetas gang.

"I ended up in the hospital, I don`t know how, because I arrived there half-dead," he said, declining to give his second name.

Once he was well enough, authorities deported him, he said.

Reuters was not able to independently corroborate details of his story. Mexico`s immigration institute did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the case.&nbsp;

Tijuana was rated by Mexican think tank Seguridad Justicia y Paz as the fifth most violent city in the world in 2017, with a higher murder rate than the Central American cities from which the migrants are escaping.&nbsp;

Juan Manuel Gastelum, Tijuana`s mayor, said late on Thursday that the city was facing a humanitarian crisis and that supporting the migrants was costing more than 500,000 pesos ($25,000) a day. He urged international agencies to help Tijuana.

WAITING LIST

Activists fear the Central Americans could be stranded for a long time in the city, where some protests against the presence of the caravan have broken out.

In May, citing a lack of processing space at the same crossing, US immigration officials stalled a previous caravan that also drew Trump`s anger. Eventually, they began letting in a trickle of people from the group.

To manage flows of asylum claimants, Mexican and US authorities have in recent years maintained a waiting list. Lawyers and human rights group Amnesty International have said such measures slow the process.

US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement sent to Reuters that the San Ysidro Port of Entry, which connects Tijuana to San Diego in California, could process up to 100 people per day and that it was working with Mexico to manage the flow.&nbsp;

Mexico`s National Immigration Institute said it protects the rights of all foreigners and was "respectful of immigration policy implemented by other countries."&nbsp;

Stalled for days, migrants from the caravan have been signing onto the waiting list. They include gay and transgender teenagers.

Erika Pinheiro, director of litigation at Al Otro Lado, an immigration legal advocacy group, last week told a Californian court under oath that "LGBT children cannot safely stay in Mexico. They are at risk of violence and persecution."

Tijuana has just one shelter for migrant children, which subsists with the help of civic organizations.

"Young people are definitely the most vulnerable in this type of movement," said Mynor Contreras, who runs the local YMCA. "We`ve never received so many in such a short time."

If the children cannot enter the United States, they risk being deported from Mexico. That can spell big trouble.

"I don`t want to die," said 16-year-old Justin, who related how his life was threatened last month for not paying a "war tax" that gangsters charged for his small used-clothing business in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula. "That day I told my mother to give me her blessing and I left," he said, crying.

Unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable migrants risk falling victim to crime in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where thousands of Central Americans from caravans may be stuck for months as authorities tighten up asylum rules, advocates say.

Unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable migrants risk falling victim to crime in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where thousands of Central Americans from caravans may be stuck for months as authorities tighten up asylum rules, advocates say. Some 4,600 migrants from the bedraggled caravans whose advance has angered US President Donald Trump are camped out with blankets and little food in an overcrowded stadium in Tijuana, whose mayor has declared a "humanitarian crisis." Trump has sent troops to the US-Mexico border, authorized the use of lethal force and threatened to shut down the frontier entirely if the migrant caravans are not stopped. Among the Central Americans, many of whom are Hondurans fleeing violence and poverty in the struggling region, are about 80 minors between the ages of 10 and 17, according to migrants rights groups. Josue, a 15-year-old Honduran in Tijuana, said that during a previous attempt to cross into the United States last year he was kidnapped and badly beaten in Mexico by drug traffickers claiming to be from the notorious Zetas gang. "I ended up in the hospital, I don`t know how, because I arrived there half-dead," he said, declining to give his second name. Once he was well enough, authorities deported him, he said. Reuters was not able to independently corroborate details of his story. Mexico`s immigration institute did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the case. Tijuana was rated by Mexican think tank Seguridad Justicia y Paz as the fifth most violent city in the world in 2017, with a higher murder rate than the Central American cities from which the migrants are escaping. Juan Manuel Gastelum, Tijuana`s mayor, said late on Thursday that the city was facing a humanitarian crisis and that supporting the migrants was costing more than 500,000 pesos ($25,000) a day. He urged international agencies to help Tijuana. WAITING LIST Activists fear the Central Americans could be stranded for a long time in the city, where some protests against the presence of the caravan have broken out. In May, citing a lack of processing space at the same crossing, US immigration officials stalled a previous caravan that also drew Trump`s anger. Eventually, they began letting in a trickle of people from the group. To manage flows of asylum claimants, Mexican and US authorities have in recent years maintained a waiting list. Lawyers and human rights group Amnesty International have said such measures slow the process. US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement sent to Reuters that the San Ysidro Port of Entry, which connects Tijuana to San Diego in California, could process up to 100 people per day and that it was working with Mexico to manage the flow. Mexico`s National Immigration Institute said it protects the rights of all foreigners and was "respectful of immigration policy implemented by other countries." Stalled for days, migrants from the caravan have been signing onto the waiting list. They include gay and transgender teenagers. Erika Pinheiro, director of litigation at Al Otro Lado, an immigration legal advocacy group, last week told a Californian court under oath that "LGBT children cannot safely stay in Mexico. They are at risk of violence and persecution." Tijuana has just one shelter for migrant children, which subsists with the help of civic organizations. "Young people are definitely the most vulnerable in this type of movement," said Mynor Contreras, who runs the local YMCA. "We`ve never received so many in such a short time." If the children cannot enter the United States, they risk being deported from Mexico. That can spell big trouble. "I don`t want to die," said 16-year-old Justin, who related how his life was threatened last month for not paying a "war tax" that gangsters charged for his small used-clothing business in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula. "That day I told my mother to give me her blessing and I left," he said, crying.

Crime menaces migrants on Mexico border as Tijuana declares crisis

US President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed a threat to close the US-Mexico border if the situation there gets out of control and warned it would hurt Mexico's trade with the United States.

"If we find that it gets to a level where we are going to lose control or where people are going to start getting hurt, we will close entry into the country for a period of time until we can get it under control," he told reporters.

"The whole border. I mean the whole border. Mexico will not be able to sell their cars into the United States where they make so many cars," he said.

President Donald Trump had issued the proclamation earlier this month as a matter of what he called national security as a US-bound caravan of Central American migrants made its way through Mexico toward the US border.

A federal judge on Monday (November 19) put a temporary halt to a Trump administration order denying the possibility of asylum to people who enter the US illegally.

(With inputs from AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed a threat to close the US-Mexico border if the situation there gets out of control and warned it would hurt Mexico's trade with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed a threat to close the US-Mexico border if the situation there gets out of control and warned it would hurt Mexico's trade with the United States. "If we find that it gets to a level where we are going to lose control or where people are going to start getting hurt, we will close entry into the country for a period of time until we can get it under control," he told reporters. "The whole border. I mean the whole border. Mexico will not be able to sell their cars into the United States where they make so many cars," he said. President Donald Trump had issued the proclamation earlier this month as a matter of what he called national security as a US-bound caravan of Central American migrants made its way through Mexico toward the US border. A federal judge on Monday (November 19) put a temporary halt to a Trump administration order denying the possibility of asylum to people who enter the US illegally. (With inputs from AFP)

Trump renews threat to close down entire border with Mexico

An early goal from Mauro Icardi and a late strike from Paulo Dybala gave Argentina their second win in a row with a 2-0 victory over Mexico in a lukewarm friendly in Mendoza on Tuesday.

With two minutes gone Icardi, the Inter Milan striker controversially left out of Argentina's World Cup squad, beat two Mexican defenders on his right foot before transferring the ball to his left and whipping it past the keeper.

Dybala doubled the lead three minutes from time when he finished off a sweeping counter attack beautifully set up by Giovanni Simeone.

Mexico had more of the possession but Argentina were well worthy of a victory that came four days after their 2-0 win in Cordoba in the first match of the double header.

The best chance for the visitors fell to Jesus Gallardo midway through the second half but his point-blank header was well saved by substitute keeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

The result takes interim coach Lionel Scaloni's record since the World Cup to four wins, one draw and one defeat. His team have conceded just the one goal in the 1-0 loss to Brazil last month.

Mexico, meanwhile, fell to their fifth defeat in six games since they tumbled out of the World Cup at the last 16 stage with a loss to Brazil.

An early goal from Mauro Icardi and a late strike from Paulo Dybala gave Argentina their second win in a row with a 2-0 victory over Mexico in a lukewarm friendly in Mendoza on Tuesday.

An early goal from Mauro Icardi and a late strike from Paulo Dybala gave Argentina their second win in a row with a 2-0 victory over Mexico in a lukewarm friendly in Mendoza on Tuesday. With two minutes gone Icardi, the Inter Milan striker controversially left out of Argentina's World Cup squad, beat two Mexican defenders on his right foot before transferring the ball to his left and whipping it past the keeper. Dybala doubled the lead three minutes from time when he finished off a sweeping counter attack beautifully set up by Giovanni Simeone. Mexico had more of the possession but Argentina were well worthy of a victory that came four days after their 2-0 win in Cordoba in the first match of the double header. The best chance for the visitors fell to Jesus Gallardo midway through the second half but his point-blank header was well saved by substitute keeper Paulo Gazzaniga. The result takes interim coach Lionel Scaloni's record since the World Cup to four wins, one draw and one defeat. His team have conceded just the one goal in the 1-0 loss to Brazil last month. Mexico, meanwhile, fell to their fifth defeat in six games since they tumbled out of the World Cup at the last 16 stage with a loss to Brazil.

Goal in each half gives Argentina second win over Mexico

Tesla Inc co-founder Elon Musk and Mexico's tequila producers could be headed for a collision after the agave-based drink's industry group opposed the flamboyant billionaire's efforts to trademark an alcoholic drink dubbed "Teslaquila."

One of the world's richest people and chief executive of Tesla, Musk is known for ambitious and cutting-edge projects ranging from auto electrification and rocket-building to high-speed transit tunnels.

Now it seems that Musk could be setting his sights on disrupting the multibillion-dollar tequila industry.

On October 12, he tweeted "Teslaquila coming soon" and an accompanying "visual approximation" of a red and white label with the Tesla logo and a caption that stated "100 percent Puro de Agave."

Not so fast, said Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). It argued that the "name 'Teslaquila' evokes the word Tequila ... (and) Tequila is a protected word."

The CRT keeps tabs on producers to assure they adhere to strict denomination of origin rules, which dictate the spirit must be made in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit or Tamaulipas, among other requirements.

According to the US Patent and Trademark Office website, Tesla has filed an application to trademark "Teslaquila" as a "distilled agave liquor" and "distilled blue agave liquor." Similar applications have been filed in Mexico, the European Union and Jamaica.

"If it wants to make Teslaquila viable as a tequila it would have to associate itself with an authorised tequila producer, comply with certain standards and request authorization from Mexico's Industrial Property Institute," said the CRT in a statement.

"Otherwise it would be making unauthorized use of the denomination of origin for tequila," it said, adding that the proposed name "Teslaquila" could make consumers confuse the drink with tequila.

Tesla did not respond to several requests for comment.

Other high-profile celebrities have cashed in on tequila's new-found international appeal, as the sprit moves into the ranks of top-shelf liquors and sheds its image as a fiery booze drunk by desperadoes and frat boys.

Last year, Diageo Plc bought actor George Clooney's high-end tequila brand Casamigos for up to $1 billion.

Other recent deals in the industry include Bacardi Ltd's January deal to buy fine tequila maker Patron Spirits International for $5.1 billion.

After years of speculation, Mexico's Beckmann family launched an initial public offering of Jose Cuervo in 2017, raising more than $900 million.

Tesla Inc co-founder Elon Musk and Mexico's tequila producers could be headed for a collision after the agave-based drink's industry group opposed the flamboyant billionaire's efforts to trademark an alcoholic drink dubbed "Teslaquila.

Tesla Inc co-founder Elon Musk and Mexico's tequila producers could be headed for a collision after the agave-based drink's industry group opposed the flamboyant billionaire's efforts to trademark an alcoholic drink dubbed "Teslaquila." One of the world's richest people and chief executive of Tesla, Musk is known for ambitious and cutting-edge projects ranging from auto electrification and rocket-building to high-speed transit tunnels. Now it seems that Musk could be setting his sights on disrupting the multibillion-dollar tequila industry. On October 12, he tweeted "Teslaquila coming soon" and an accompanying "visual approximation" of a red and white label with the Tesla logo and a caption that stated "100 percent Puro de Agave." Not so fast, said Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). It argued that the "name 'Teslaquila' evokes the word Tequila ... (and) Tequila is a protected word." The CRT keeps tabs on producers to assure they adhere to strict denomination of origin rules, which dictate the spirit must be made in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit or Tamaulipas, among other requirements. According to the US Patent and Trademark Office website, Tesla has filed an application to trademark "Teslaquila" as a "distilled agave liquor" and "distilled blue agave liquor." Similar applications have been filed in Mexico, the European Union and Jamaica. "If it wants to make Teslaquila viable as a tequila it would have to associate itself with an authorised tequila producer, comply with certain standards and request authorization from Mexico's Industrial Property Institute," said the CRT in a statement. "Otherwise it would be making unauthorized use of the denomination of origin for tequila," it said, adding that the proposed name "Teslaquila" could make consumers confuse the drink with tequila. Tesla did not respond to several requests for comment. Other high-profile celebrities have cashed in on tequila's new-found international appeal, as the sprit moves into the ranks of top-shelf liquors and sheds its image as a fiery booze drunk by desperadoes and frat boys. Last year, Diageo Plc bought actor George Clooney's high-end tequila brand Casamigos for up to $1 billion. Other recent deals in the industry include Bacardi Ltd's January deal to buy fine tequila maker Patron Spirits International for $5.1 billion. After years of speculation, Mexico's Beckmann family launched an initial public offering of Jose Cuervo in 2017, raising more than $900 million.

Elon Musk's 'Teslaquila' drink faces clash with Mexican tequila industry

Drug baron Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's defense told his New York trial Tuesday that his cartel bribed Mexican presidents, painting the absent co-defendant as a ruthless criminal who murdered in cold blood.

Opening statements finally got underway after two jurors were dismissed from the lineup, forcing lawyers and the judge to re-interview potential candidates before the full panel could be sworn in.

One woman was struck after complaining that the trial was causing her health problems, along with a man who said he would not be able to support himself financially during the trial. Two replacements were subsequently found.

Guzman, one of the world's most notorious criminals, is on trial in New York after twice escaping from prison in Mexico. He faces 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges in what is expected to be a more than four-month trial.

He is accused of leading the Sinaloa cartel and turning it into the largest criminal organization on the planet. He is considered the world's largest drug trafficker since the death of Colombia's Pablo Escobar.

But in opening statements, the defense alleged that Guzman's co-defendant who remains at large, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, was the real culprit.

"The truth is he (Guzman) controlled nothing, Mayo Zambada did," Jeffrey Lichtman told the US federal court in Brooklyn.

Zambada, he alleged, bribed everybody, "including the very top, the current president of Mexico and the former," he added in reference to Mexico's outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto and his predecessor, Felipe Calderon.

Both Calderon and Pena Nieto swiftly denied taking any bribes from the Sinaloa cartel, the former calling the allegation "absolutely false and reckless" and the latter saying it was "completely false and defamatory."

Gold-plated Ak-47&nbsp;

"Mayo can get people arrested and get the Mexican army and police kill who he wants," Lichtman added.

Instead, Guzman, who has been in solitary confinement in America and whose trial is accompanied by massive security, is a "scapegoat," the lawyer claimed.

"Why does the Mexican government need a scapegoat? Because they're making too much money being bribed by the leaders of drug cartels."

The 12 jurors who will determine the 61-year-old defendant's guilt or innocence have an enormous and onerous task before them.

During jury selection last week, several potential jurors were dismissed because they feared for their lives, as was another who suffered a panic attack.

Their names will be kept anonymous. They will be partially sequestered, escorted to and from court every day by armed US Marshals.

Prosecutors contend that Guzman spent a quarter of a century smuggling cocaine into the United States.

They say that from 1989 to 2014, the Sinaloa smuggled 340,892 pounds (154,626 kilograms) of cocaine into the United States, as well as heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana, raking in $14 billion.

"Money, drugs, murder; a vast global narcotics trafficking organization. That is what this trial is about and that is what the evidence in this case will prove," Assistant US Attorney Adam Fels told the court.

Guzman, he alleged in his opening statements, had his "own private army" of hundreds of men armed with assault rifles, as well as his own diamond-encrusted pistol branded with his initials and a gold-plated AK-47.

'In his own words'&nbsp;

US prosecutors have spent years piecing together a case that they hope will end with Guzman spending the rest of his life behind bars in a maximum-security US prison, accumulating more than 300,000 pages and at least 117,000 recordings in evidence against Guzman.

While he is not on trial for murder, They contend that he ordered or committed at least 33 homicides. "You'll see how Guzman pulls the trigger," the prosecutor told jurors.

Prosecutors promised to discuss "this global narco empire in his own words" and from witnesses detailing how he would receive $10 million from a single shipment of cocaine.

More than a dozen of the several hundred witnesses expected to testify are in witness protection programs or are already in jail, housed in special wings to protect them from reprisals.

"You'll have the chance to read his text messages, evidence of drug deals, killings, corruption," Fels said.

"He was indeed the boss of his organization," the prosecutor added, saying Guzman "used planes, trains, automobiles, fishing vessels, trucks, even submarines," to traffic drugs to the United States.

Guzman arrived in New York in January 2017. He twice escaped from prison in Mexico, once hidden in a laundry cart and the second time slipping down a tunnel that reached his prison shower.

In New York, he spends 23 hours a day in his cell. The only visitors he is allowed are his lawyers and daughters, from whom he is separated by thick glass.

Drug baron Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's defense told his New York trial Tuesday that his cartel bribed Mexican presidents, painting the absent co-defendant as a ruthless criminal who murdered in cold blood.

Drug baron Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's defense told his New York trial Tuesday that his cartel bribed Mexican presidents, painting the absent co-defendant as a ruthless criminal who murdered in cold blood. Opening statements finally got underway after two jurors were dismissed from the lineup, forcing lawyers and the judge to re-interview potential candidates before the full panel could be sworn in. One woman was struck after complaining that the trial was causing her health problems, along with a man who said he would not be able to support himself financially during the trial. Two replacements were subsequently found. Guzman, one of the world's most notorious criminals, is on trial in New York after twice escaping from prison in Mexico. He faces 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges in what is expected to be a more than four-month trial. He is accused of leading the Sinaloa cartel and turning it into the largest criminal organization on the planet. He is considered the world's largest drug trafficker since the death of Colombia's Pablo Escobar. But in opening statements, the defense alleged that Guzman's co-defendant who remains at large, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, was the real culprit. "The truth is he (Guzman) controlled nothing, Mayo Zambada did," Jeffrey Lichtman told the US federal court in Brooklyn. Zambada, he alleged, bribed everybody, "including the very top, the current president of Mexico and the former," he added in reference to Mexico's outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto and his predecessor, Felipe Calderon. Both Calderon and Pena Nieto swiftly denied taking any bribes from the Sinaloa cartel, the former calling the allegation "absolutely false and reckless" and the latter saying it was "completely false and defamatory." Gold-plated Ak-47 "Mayo can get people arrested and get the Mexican army and police kill who he wants," Lichtman added. Instead, Guzman, who has been in solitary confinement in America and whose trial is accompanied by massive security, is a "scapegoat," the lawyer claimed. "Why does the Mexican government need a scapegoat? Because they're making too much money being bribed by the leaders of drug cartels." The 12 jurors who will determine the 61-year-old defendant's guilt or innocence have an enormous and onerous task before them. During jury selection last week, several potential jurors were dismissed because they feared for their lives, as was another who suffered a panic attack. Their names will be kept anonymous. They will be partially sequestered, escorted to and from court every day by armed US Marshals. Prosecutors contend that Guzman spent a quarter of a century smuggling cocaine into the United States. They say that from 1989 to 2014, the Sinaloa smuggled 340,892 pounds (154,626 kilograms) of cocaine into the United States, as well as heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana, raking in $14 billion. "Money, drugs, murder; a vast global narcotics trafficking organization. That is what this trial is about and that is what the evidence in this case will prove," Assistant US Attorney Adam Fels told the court. Guzman, he alleged in his opening statements, had his "own private army" of hundreds of men armed with assault rifles, as well as his own diamond-encrusted pistol branded with his initials and a gold-plated AK-47. 'In his own words' US prosecutors have spent years piecing together a case that they hope will end with Guzman spending the rest of his life behind bars in a maximum-security US prison, accumulating more than 300,000 pages and at least 117,000 recordings in evidence against Guzman. While he is not on trial for murder, They contend that he ordered or committed at least 33 homicides. "You'll see how Guzman pulls the trigger," the prosecutor told jurors. Prosecutors promised to discuss "this global narco empire in his own words" and from witnesses detailing how he would receive $10 million from a single shipment of cocaine. More than a dozen of the several hundred witnesses expected to testify are in witness protection programs or are already in jail, housed in special wings to protect them from reprisals. "You'll have the chance to read his text messages, evidence of drug deals, killings, corruption," Fels said. "He was indeed the boss of his organization," the prosecutor added, saying Guzman "used planes, trains, automobiles, fishing vessels, trucks, even submarines," to traffic drugs to the United States. Guzman arrived in New York in January 2017. He twice escaped from prison in Mexico, once hidden in a laundry cart and the second time slipping down a tunnel that reached his prison shower. In New York, he spends 23 hours a day in his cell. The only visitors he is allowed are his lawyers and daughters, from whom he is separated by thick glass.

Mexican presidents accused as defense opens El Chapo trial

U.S troops perform military drill near Mexico Border

The US-bound migrant caravan that has so thoroughly irked President Donald Trump has decided to resume its trek north after resting in Mexico City for nearly a week and failing to secure buses for the journey.

In a sports arena turned into a makeshift shelter, a vote was held Thursday mainly among male travellers and the verdict was to keep going and leave at dawn on Friday.

The group of some 5,500 people, most of them Hondurans, began arriving in the Mexican capital on Sunday.

They have been travelling since October 13, mainly on foot, and covered&nbsp;more than 940 miles (1,500 km), but are still weeks away from the US border.&nbsp;

Most of them are fleeing grinding poverty and violence from powerful street gangs.

The migrants have asked Mexican authorities to provide them with transport. On Thursday, some 200 of them demonstrated outside the local office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to press for 150 buses.

On some stretches of the trip, some of the migrants have been riding on trucks.&nbsp;

However, one person fell off and died when the group was in Chiapas state in the south.&nbsp;

Since then, Mexican police accompanying the caravan have barred the travellers from hanging off the side of such trucks.

Two other caravans with about 2,000 people each are making their way through southern Mexico.

Trump made immigration a central issue ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, using it to fire up his largely white, conservative base.&nbsp;

The vote was seen as a referendum on his presidency so far.&nbsp;

In the end, Trump's Republicans kept their majority in the Senate but lost the House of Representatives to the Democrats.

Calling the caravan a "national emergency," Trump has threatened to deploy as many as 15,000 troops to the border with Mexico. Some 4,800 had been deployed as of Monday, the Pentagon said.

The US-bound migrant caravan that has so thoroughly irked President Donald Trump has decided to resume its trek north after resting in Mexico City for nearly a week and failing to secure buses for the journey.

The US-bound migrant caravan that has so thoroughly irked President Donald Trump has decided to resume its trek north after resting in Mexico City for nearly a week and failing to secure buses for the journey. In a sports arena turned into a makeshift shelter, a vote was held Thursday mainly among male travellers and the verdict was to keep going and leave at dawn on Friday. The group of some 5,500 people, most of them Hondurans, began arriving in the Mexican capital on Sunday. They have been travelling since October 13, mainly on foot, and covered more than 940 miles (1,500 km), but are still weeks away from the US border. Most of them are fleeing grinding poverty and violence from powerful street gangs. The migrants have asked Mexican authorities to provide them with transport. On Thursday, some 200 of them demonstrated outside the local office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to press for 150 buses. On some stretches of the trip, some of the migrants have been riding on trucks. However, one person fell off and died when the group was in Chiapas state in the south. Since then, Mexican police accompanying the caravan have barred the travellers from hanging off the side of such trucks. Two other caravans with about 2,000 people each are making their way through southern Mexico. Trump made immigration a central issue ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, using it to fire up his largely white, conservative base. The vote was seen as a referendum on his presidency so far. In the end, Trump's Republicans kept their majority in the Senate but lost the House of Representatives to the Democrats. Calling the caravan a "national emergency," Trump has threatened to deploy as many as 15,000 troops to the border with Mexico. Some 4,800 had been deployed as of Monday, the Pentagon said.

Central American caravan to resume trip after rest

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country.

Ahead of US&nbsp;congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital.

President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government.

The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend. This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital. President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government. The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Caravan migrants consider staying in Mexico as Trump rachets up criticism

Former president Barack Obama on Friday decried as a "political stunt" Donald Trump's plan to send thousands of US soldiers to the Mexican border to block migrants from entering the country.

In a rousing speech to a Miami crowd as he campaigned for fellow Democrats ahead of next week's midterm elections, Obama said the Republican administration was "even taking our brave troops away from their families for a political stunt at the border."

Trump, who has placed immigration at the heart of his party's election effort, has persistently attacked the caravan of Central American migrants, denouncing it as a potential "invasion."&nbsp;

Trump announced earlier this week that he would send thousands of troops to the border to beef up national defenses at the border.

He has campaigned heavily on the issue, warning supporters Thursday that migrants would soon be "overwhelming your schools, your hospitals, your communities."

Obama said the deployment was serving to "get folks angry and ginned up," adding: "There's just constant fearmongering to distract from the record."&nbsp;

The nation's first African American commander in chief took the stage with Andrew Gillum, who is locked in a tight race for governor of Florida against pro-Trump Republican Ron DeSantis, and Senator Bill Nelson, who is running for re-election against outgoing Governor Rick Scott.

"Let's make history happen right here in Florida," Obama told jubilant supporters at the end of a speech that was occasionally interrupted by pro-Republican protesters.

Obama urged more decisive action by Americans who have grown frustrated by the first 21 months of Trump's presidency.

"If you don't like what's going on right now, don't just complain," Obama said.&nbsp;

"Don't get anxious and freaked out, don't throw up your hands in despair. Don't boo. Don't hashtag. Vote!"

In the home stretch of a campaign marked by a recent deadly anti-Semitic attack and the interception of parcel bombs sent to prominent Democrats including Obama, the former president called for defending "the values that bind us to our fellow citizens, no matter who we are."

But he also drilled down on core Democratic issues for the 2018 campaign, like health care and preserving protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

Obama, architect of the Obamacare health reforms that he signed into law in 2010, took Republicans to task for "suddenly" saying they will protect pre-existing conditions coverage despite seeking to pass legislation to do away with such protections.

"Let's call it what it is. It's a lie. They're lying to you," Obama said.

Americans on Tuesday will elect lawmakers for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 governors and dozens of state legislatures.

Former president Barack Obama on Friday decried as a "political stunt" Donald Trump's plan to send thousands of US soldiers to the Mexican border to block migrants from entering the country.

Former president Barack Obama on Friday decried as a "political stunt" Donald Trump's plan to send thousands of US soldiers to the Mexican border to block migrants from entering the country. In a rousing speech to a Miami crowd as he campaigned for fellow Democrats ahead of next week's midterm elections, Obama said the Republican administration was "even taking our brave troops away from their families for a political stunt at the border." Trump, who has placed immigration at the heart of his party's election effort, has persistently attacked the caravan of Central American migrants, denouncing it as a potential "invasion." Trump announced earlier this week that he would send thousands of troops to the border to beef up national defenses at the border. He has campaigned heavily on the issue, warning supporters Thursday that migrants would soon be "overwhelming your schools, your hospitals, your communities." Obama said the deployment was serving to "get folks angry and ginned up," adding: "There's just constant fearmongering to distract from the record." The nation's first African American commander in chief took the stage with Andrew Gillum, who is locked in a tight race for governor of Florida against pro-Trump Republican Ron DeSantis, and Senator Bill Nelson, who is running for re-election against outgoing Governor Rick Scott. "Let's make history happen right here in Florida," Obama told jubilant supporters at the end of a speech that was occasionally interrupted by pro-Republican protesters. Obama urged more decisive action by Americans who have grown frustrated by the first 21 months of Trump's presidency. "If you don't like what's going on right now, don't just complain," Obama said. "Don't get anxious and freaked out, don't throw up your hands in despair. Don't boo. Don't hashtag. Vote!" In the home stretch of a campaign marked by a recent deadly anti-Semitic attack and the interception of parcel bombs sent to prominent Democrats including Obama, the former president called for defending "the values that bind us to our fellow citizens, no matter who we are." But he also drilled down on core Democratic issues for the 2018 campaign, like health care and preserving protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Obama, architect of the Obamacare health reforms that he signed into law in 2010, took Republicans to task for "suddenly" saying they will protect pre-existing conditions coverage despite seeking to pass legislation to do away with such protections. "Let's call it what it is. It's a lie. They're lying to you," Obama said. Americans on Tuesday will elect lawmakers for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 governors and dozens of state legislatures.

Obama brands Trump's border deployment plan a 'political stunt'

Millions of people in Mexico City are set to be without water for at least four days as authorities undertake maintenance work on one of the major supply systems.

Half of the capital's eight million population are expected to be affected, with a further three million people from the neighbouring State of Mexico also impacted.

Authorities are preparing for the huge challenge by employing tanker trucks to supply strategic areas such as schools, hospitals and prisons.

Mexico City is one of the largest metropolises in the world. The supply cut is due to start on Wednesday and last until Saturday, although the system won't return to full capacity until November 8.

Maintenance will be carried out on the Cutzamala engineering works that provide part of the city's water supply from Michoacan state to the west of the capital.

Authorities have asked citizens to save water and only use it in moderation during the shortage days.

"What we need is to take extreme care of the water, don't wash clothes, bathe using a small bucket," said Mexico City's water system director, Ramon Aguirre.

"Those with the economic means should buy disposable dishes and cups, take care of the water usage.

"We should not exaggerate the sense of crisis or catastrophe, we must simply prepare ourselves," Aguirre told reporters.

For some people, water shortages are nothing new, though.

The Iztapalapa neighbourhood, one of the poorest in Mexico City with a population of 1.8 million people, is the worst affected by shortages and many of its citizens are used to receiving their supplies from tanker trucks.

And it's not confined to that one area, either. Of the 2.5 million homes in the city, almost 569,000 don't receive water on a daily basis, while 45,950 have no running water at all.

Mexico City's water tables, built on the swamps of the old Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, have been exploited for decades causing certain areas of the city to sink by between two and 30 centimeters (0.8 to 12 inches) a year.

Some estimates also claim that 40 per cent of the city's water is lost in leaks.

Millions of people in Mexico City are set to be without water for at least four days as authorities undertake maintenance work on one of the major supply systems.

Millions of people in Mexico City are set to be without water for at least four days as authorities undertake maintenance work on one of the major supply systems. Half of the capital's eight million population are expected to be affected, with a further three million people from the neighbouring State of Mexico also impacted. Authorities are preparing for the huge challenge by employing tanker trucks to supply strategic areas such as schools, hospitals and prisons. Mexico City is one of the largest metropolises in the world. The supply cut is due to start on Wednesday and last until Saturday, although the system won't return to full capacity until November 8. Maintenance will be carried out on the Cutzamala engineering works that provide part of the city's water supply from Michoacan state to the west of the capital. Authorities have asked citizens to save water and only use it in moderation during the shortage days. "What we need is to take extreme care of the water, don't wash clothes, bathe using a small bucket," said Mexico City's water system director, Ramon Aguirre. "Those with the economic means should buy disposable dishes and cups, take care of the water usage. "We should not exaggerate the sense of crisis or catastrophe, we must simply prepare ourselves," Aguirre told reporters. For some people, water shortages are nothing new, though. The Iztapalapa neighbourhood, one of the poorest in Mexico City with a population of 1.8 million people, is the worst affected by shortages and many of its citizens are used to receiving their supplies from tanker trucks. And it's not confined to that one area, either. Of the 2.5 million homes in the city, almost 569,000 don't receive water on a daily basis, while 45,950 have no running water at all. Mexico City's water tables, built on the swamps of the old Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, have been exploited for decades causing certain areas of the city to sink by between two and 30 centimeters (0.8 to 12 inches) a year. Some estimates also claim that 40 per cent of the city's water is lost in leaks.

Millions in Mexico City set to go without water for days

Two months ago, Marisol Hernandez's husband was gunned down by gangsters for refusing to work for them. For the pregnant 23-year-old, that was the last straw.

She left her two children with her grandmother and decided to set off among thousands of other Honduran migrants in a bid to reach the United States. In her case, because she wants her next child to "be American."

She is far from alone. Dozens of pregnant women are among the migrants, now in Mexico, fleeing poverty and violence in their homeland in search of the American dream.

But the hope that her unborn child will be American and "graduate in something, study, speak English, know about computers and things like that," is being threatened by President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-he-plans-to-scrap-birthright-citizenship-174438">Donald Trump's apparent determination to abolish birthright citizenship</a> for the children of illegal immigrants and non-citizens.

"It's ridiculous. And it has to end," said Trump of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment that grants US citizenship to those born on US soil.

For now, Hernandez is hoping that in six months' time, her newborn baby will become a citizen of the United States.

Her story is a harrowing, but typical of those amongst the estimated 7,000-strong caravan heading through Mexico toward California.

She used to work in a clothing shop but two months ago "mareros," gang members, killed her husband with "a bullet between the eyes" on his doorstep as he returned from work.

"He refused to work as an extortionist," said Hernandez. The next day, she started receiving threats.

She left her two children behind "because I can barely feed them" and set off in search of a better future.

Wracked by doubt 
For the last two weeks, she's been sleeping in the street without a roof over her head and walking for 10 hours a day, when not hitch-hiking on trucks giving rides to migrants.

The road is long and Hernandez is beset by doubts.

"At times I want to go back because I feel like neither I nor the child will manage" the rest of the journey, she said in a moment of rest from lugging her heavy suitcase.

The route became longer last Friday when the majority of undocumented migrants voted in favour of diverting from the Pacific highway running up to California and headed inland to Mexico City to ask for legal documents that would allow them to travel freely around the country.

Hernandez is gradually regaining her strength to continue the slog so that her child can grow up far away from "the parasites" in her home country who use threats to recruit children into their gangs.

She has no intention of taking up Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's offer to stay in the country because it's on condition of claiming asylum and living in the largely impoverished and indigenous-populated states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.

"It would be the same as living in Honduras," complained Hernandez.

She says she's heard medical volunteers accompanying the caravan claim there are 42 pregnant women in the group.

'No trust' 
"We've seen a lot of pregnant women but they don't come to us. It seems like they don't trust us," said Julio Mendoza, a medic in the town of Huixtla.

Julia Martinez, a nurse who's been handing out vitamins to women, says she's seen some that up to "30 weeks pregnant."

It's not just Hondurans on the long march to the US.

Salvadoran Delmer Roxana Martinez, 29, is three months pregnant and traveling with her three-year-old son, husband and cousin but she left behind a nine-year-old daughter in San Salvador.

"God knows that it's not out of ambition (but) it would be beneficial to the family" if her child were born in the US, she says.

Stephanie Guadalupe Sanchez is only 15 but seven months pregnant and walks with difficulty.

"I want a good job and future for my child. It would have a better life if we live there in the United States," she said, before heading off to her bed for the night, in a small space in the central square in the town of Pijijiapan.

&nbsp;

Two months ago, Marisol Hernandez's husband was gunned down by gangsters for refusing to work for them. For the pregnant 23-year-old, that was the last straw. She left her two children with her grandmother and decided to set off among thousands of other Honduran migrants in a bid to reach the United States.

Two months ago, Marisol Hernandez's husband was gunned down by gangsters for refusing to work for them. For the pregnant 23-year-old, that was the last straw. She left her two children with her grandmother and decided to set off among thousands of other Honduran migrants in a bid to reach the United States. In her case, because she wants her next child to "be American." She is far from alone. Dozens of pregnant women are among the migrants, now in Mexico, fleeing poverty and violence in their homeland in search of the American dream. But the hope that her unborn child will be American and "graduate in something, study, speak English, know about computers and things like that," is being threatened by President Donald Trump's apparent determination to abolish birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants and non-citizens. "It's ridiculous. And it has to end," said Trump of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment that grants US citizenship to those born on US soil. For now, Hernandez is hoping that in six months' time, her newborn baby will become a citizen of the United States. Her story is a harrowing, but typical of those amongst the estimated 7,000-strong caravan heading through Mexico toward California. She used to work in a clothing shop but two months ago "mareros," gang members, killed her husband with "a bullet between the eyes" on his doorstep as he returned from work. "He refused to work as an extortionist," said Hernandez. The next day, she started receiving threats. She left her two children behind "because I can barely feed them" and set off in search of a better future. Wracked by doubt For the last two weeks, she's been sleeping in the street without a roof over her head and walking for 10 hours a day, when not hitch-hiking on trucks giving rides to migrants. The road is long and Hernandez is beset by doubts. "At times I want to go back because I feel like neither I nor the child will manage" the rest of the journey, she said in a moment of rest from lugging her heavy suitcase. The route became longer last Friday when the majority of undocumented migrants voted in favour of diverting from the Pacific highway running up to California and headed inland to Mexico City to ask for legal documents that would allow them to travel freely around the country. Hernandez is gradually regaining her strength to continue the slog so that her child can grow up far away from "the parasites" in her home country who use threats to recruit children into their gangs. She has no intention of taking up Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's offer to stay in the country because it's on condition of claiming asylum and living in the largely impoverished and indigenous-populated states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. "It would be the same as living in Honduras," complained Hernandez. She says she's heard medical volunteers accompanying the caravan claim there are 42 pregnant women in the group. 'No trust' "We've seen a lot of pregnant women but they don't come to us. It seems like they don't trust us," said Julio Mendoza, a medic in the town of Huixtla. Julia Martinez, a nurse who's been handing out vitamins to women, says she's seen some that up to "30 weeks pregnant." It's not just Hondurans on the long march to the US. Salvadoran Delmer Roxana Martinez, 29, is three months pregnant and traveling with her three-year-old son, husband and cousin but she left behind a nine-year-old daughter in San Salvador. "God knows that it's not out of ambition (but) it would be beneficial to the family" if her child were born in the US, she says. Stephanie Guadalupe Sanchez is only 15 but seven months pregnant and walks with difficulty. "I want a good job and future for my child. It would have a better life if we live there in the United States," she said, before heading off to her bed for the night, in a small space in the central square in the town of Pijijiapan.

Pregnant migrants want their children 'to be American'

Another migrant caravan like the one that has infuriated US President Donald Trump and fueled his anti-immigrant message ahead of next week's election is on the move in southern Mexico.

This second, smaller US-bound group of around 2,000 poor people managed to cross the Suchiate River separating Mexico from Guatemala to the south on Monday.

At one point they clashed with Mexican security forces on a bridge and one member of the caravan was reported killed.

On Tuesday they covered about 25 kilometers (16 miles) and settled down for the night in the town of Tapachula in the state of Chiapas, an AFP reporter said.

Like the larger caravan, this one is made up mostly of Hondurans and includes women and children.

And like their colleagues moving further up north, these people have rejected an offer from Mexico of medical care, schooling for their kids and temporary work permits if they stop traveling and request asylum in Chiapas or Oaxaca.

The first caravan, which has dwindled and now numbers some 4,000 people, according to an aide group called Pueblos sin Fronteras, arrived Tuesday in the town of Juchitan, in Oaxaca.

They were spending Tuesday night in tents in an abandoned bus station.

Trump has announced he is sending more than 5,000 soldiers to shore up the US-Mexico border as he talks up what he calls a migrant invasion to appeal to his right-wing base ahead of the congressional vote next Tuesday.

Another migrant caravan like the one that has infuriated US President Donald Trump and fueled his anti-immigrant message ahead of next week's election is on the move in southern Mexico.

Another migrant caravan like the one that has infuriated US President Donald Trump and fueled his anti-immigrant message ahead of next week's election is on the move in southern Mexico. This second, smaller US-bound group of around 2,000 poor people managed to cross the Suchiate River separating Mexico from Guatemala to the south on Monday. At one point they clashed with Mexican security forces on a bridge and one member of the caravan was reported killed. On Tuesday they covered about 25 kilometers (16 miles) and settled down for the night in the town of Tapachula in the state of Chiapas, an AFP reporter said. Like the larger caravan, this one is made up mostly of Hondurans and includes women and children. And like their colleagues moving further up north, these people have rejected an offer from Mexico of medical care, schooling for their kids and temporary work permits if they stop traveling and request asylum in Chiapas or Oaxaca. The first caravan, which has dwindled and now numbers some 4,000 people, according to an aide group called Pueblos sin Fronteras, arrived Tuesday in the town of Juchitan, in Oaxaca. They were spending Tuesday night in tents in an abandoned bus station. Trump has announced he is sending more than 5,000 soldiers to shore up the US-Mexico border as he talks up what he calls a migrant invasion to appeal to his right-wing base ahead of the congressional vote next Tuesday.

Second migrant caravan on the move in Mexico

A new group of migrants gathered and left from the capital of El Salvador on Sunday, headed for the United States after thousands of other Central Americans began similar journeys in recent weeks, angering US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

The group of more than 300 Salvadorans that left San Salvador on Sunday came together after thousands of Hondurans in mid-October left their country in a large group, becoming an international news story and a key issue in the US&nbsp;congressional elections.

A second group of Hondurans was moving through Guatemala last week, and at one point numbered more than 1,000 people before beginning to fragment.

Trump and his fellow Republicans have sought to make immigration a major issue before the Nov. 6 elections, in which the party is battling to keep control of Congress.

The Salvadoran migrants organized using social networks like Facebook and WhatsApp over the last couple of weeks, inspired by the group of mostly Hondurans currently crossing Mexico.

Salvadoran police traveled with the group on Sunday as they left San Salvador, the migrants carrying backpacks and water bottles and protecting themselves from the hot sun with hats. Some mothers pushed their children in strollers.

Several migrants, gathered by the capital's 'Savior of the World' statue before leaving, said they were headed to the United States.

"We're asking the all-powerful to look after us, to guide us, to free us from all that is bad," shouted Hernan Quinteros, 49, a driver who urged his fellow travelers to tie up their shoes ahead of the long trip.

El Salvador's left-wing government said it had solidarity with the migrants and respected their right to mobilize, but urged them not to risk their lives on the way.

A new group of migrants gathered and left from the capital of El Salvador on Sunday, headed for the United States after thousands of other Central Americans began similar journeys in recent weeks, angering US President Donald Trump.

A new group of migrants gathered and left from the capital of El Salvador on Sunday, headed for the United States after thousands of other Central Americans began similar journeys in recent weeks, angering US President Donald Trump. The group of more than 300 Salvadorans that left San Salvador on Sunday came together after thousands of Hondurans in mid-October left their country in a large group, becoming an international news story and a key issue in the US congressional elections. A second group of Hondurans was moving through Guatemala last week, and at one point numbered more than 1,000 people before beginning to fragment. Trump and his fellow Republicans have sought to make immigration a major issue before the Nov. 6 elections, in which the party is battling to keep control of Congress. The Salvadoran migrants organized using social networks like Facebook and WhatsApp over the last couple of weeks, inspired by the group of mostly Hondurans currently crossing Mexico. Salvadoran police traveled with the group on Sunday as they left San Salvador, the migrants carrying backpacks and water bottles and protecting themselves from the hot sun with hats. Some mothers pushed their children in strollers. Several migrants, gathered by the capital's 'Savior of the World' statue before leaving, said they were headed to the United States. "We're asking the all-powerful to look after us, to guide us, to free us from all that is bad," shouted Hernan Quinteros, 49, a driver who urged his fellow travelers to tie up their shoes ahead of the long trip. El Salvador's left-wing government said it had solidarity with the migrants and respected their right to mobilize, but urged them not to risk their lives on the way.

New US-bound group of migrants leaves San Salvador

WION Gravitas: US bound migrants clash at Guatemala-Mexico border

Violent clashes at Guatemala-Mexico Border

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/synagogue-gunman-kills-11-in-americas-worst-anti-semitic-attack-173906">US: 11 dead after heavily-armed gunman attacks synagogue</a>

A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday, killing 11 people and injuring six in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent American history.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/helicopter-owned-by-leicester-citys-chairman-crashes-173903">Leicester City owner's helicopter crashes in club's car park</a>

A helicopter belonging to Thai tycoon Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed on Saturday near the stadium of his UK football club Leicester City.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-synagogue-shooting-has-little-to-do-with-gun-laws-173917">Trump says US synagogue shooting has little to do with gun laws</a>

President Donald Trump told reporters that the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue earlier on Saturday had little to do with gun laws and that the killings might have been prevented if there was an armed guard inside the building.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922">Migrant caravan presses on towards </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922"> despite </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922">offer</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-caravan-presses-on-towards-us-despite-offer-of-jobs-from-mexico-173922"> of jobs from Mexico</a>

A US-bound caravan of Central American migrants pressed on through southern Mexico on Saturday, in spite of government offers of jobs, as authorities stepped up efforts to disperse the convoy that has angered US President Donald Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-price-drop-by-40-paise-in-delhi-39-in-mumbai-173923">Petrol prices drop by 40 paise in Delhi, 39 in Mumbai</a>

Fuel prices declined for the eleventh consecutive day on Sunday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 80.05 per litre, while that of diesel to Rs 74.05 per litre.

US: 11 dead after heavily-armed gunman attacks synagogue A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday, killing 11 people and injuring six in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent American history.

US: 11 dead after heavily-armed gunman attacks synagogue A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday, killing 11 people and injuring six in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent American history. Leicester City owner's helicopter crashes in club's car park A helicopter belonging to Thai tycoon Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed on Saturday near the stadium of his UK football club Leicester City. Trump says US synagogue shooting has little to do with gun laws President Donald Trump told reporters that the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue earlier on Saturday had little to do with gun laws and that the killings might have been prevented if there was an armed guard inside the building. Migrant caravan presses on towards US despite offer of jobs from Mexico A US-bound caravan of Central American migrants pressed on through southern Mexico on Saturday, in spite of government offers of jobs, as authorities stepped up efforts to disperse the convoy that has angered US President Donald Trump. Petrol prices drop by 40 paise in Delhi, 39 in Mumbai Fuel prices declined for the eleventh consecutive day on Sunday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 80.05 per litre, while that of diesel to Rs 74.05 per litre.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A US-bound caravan of Central American migrants pressed on through <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/honduran-migrant-caravan-crosses-into-mexico-marches-on-towards-us-172677">southern Mexico</a> on Saturday, in spite of government offers of jobs, as authorities stepped up efforts to disperse the convoy that has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-start-cutting-aid-as-migrant-caravan-rolls-on-trump-172856">angered US President Donald Trump</a>.

Mexican police in riot gear briefly blocked the march of men, women and children as they neared Oaxaca state before dawn, to relay the offer of temporary identification papers, jobs or education for those seeking asylum in Mexico.

Trump has threatened to send troops to the US border and cut aid to Central America to try to stop the group of several thousand people that left Honduras two weeks ago.

Estimates vary significantly on the group's size, which has morphed as some migrants return home and newcomers join. At least 150 migrants travelling separately were detained by Friday near Guatemala's border, a Mexican official said.

More than 1,700 people in the convoy have applied for asylum, while others have returned home, according to Mexico's government. The Honduran ambassador said on Friday the group officially had 3,500 members. Other estimates go much higher.

By Saturday, more than 100 Honduran migrants opted to seek refugee status and enter the temporary work program proposed by President Enrique Pena Nieto on Friday, said Mexico's National Migration Institute. Many others rejected the offer.

"We're going to the United States. Because that's our dream," said 28-year-old Honduran Daniel Leonel Esteves at the head of a 50-person wide column of migrants snaking down a highway into the hills.

Others echoed his goal to cross the border, declining Mexico's offer.

"Our destination is the United States," said migrant Francisco Ramirez.

A police official on a road just south of Oaxaca, where migrants were proceeding north from the town of Arriaga in Chiapas state, said authorities intended to keep presenting the asylum offer.

"We think it's very important that every person in the caravan knows these benefits, so that they stop putting their safety at risk crossing these roads," said federal police commissioner Benjamin Grajeda.

Trump and his fellow Republicans have sought to make the migrant caravan and immigration major issues before the Nov. 6 elections, in which Republicans are battling to keep control of Congress.

Honduras said 4,500 of its citizens attempting to emigrate have returned to the country in recent days. 
&nbsp;

A US-bound caravan of Central American migrants pressed on through southern Mexico on Saturday, in spite of government offers of jobs, as authorities stepped up efforts to disperse the convoy that has angered US President Donald Trump.

A US-bound caravan of Central American migrants pressed on through southern Mexico on Saturday, in spite of government offers of jobs, as authorities stepped up efforts to disperse the convoy that has angered US President Donald Trump. Mexican police in riot gear briefly blocked the march of men, women and children as they neared Oaxaca state before dawn, to relay the offer of temporary identification papers, jobs or education for those seeking asylum in Mexico. Trump has threatened to send troops to the US border and cut aid to Central America to try to stop the group of several thousand people that left Honduras two weeks ago. Estimates vary significantly on the group's size, which has morphed as some migrants return home and newcomers join. At least 150 migrants travelling separately were detained by Friday near Guatemala's border, a Mexican official said. More than 1,700 people in the convoy have applied for asylum, while others have returned home, according to Mexico's government. The Honduran ambassador said on Friday the group officially had 3,500 members. Other estimates go much higher. By Saturday, more than 100 Honduran migrants opted to seek refugee status and enter the temporary work program proposed by President Enrique Pena Nieto on Friday, said Mexico's National Migration Institute. Many others rejected the offer. "We're going to the United States. Because that's our dream," said 28-year-old Honduran Daniel Leonel Esteves at the head of a 50-person wide column of migrants snaking down a highway into the hills. Others echoed his goal to cross the border, declining Mexico's offer. "Our destination is the United States," said migrant Francisco Ramirez. A police official on a road just south of Oaxaca, where migrants were proceeding north from the town of Arriaga in Chiapas state, said authorities intended to keep presenting the asylum offer. "We think it's very important that every person in the caravan knows these benefits, so that they stop putting their safety at risk crossing these roads," said federal police commissioner Benjamin Grajeda. Trump and his fellow Republicans have sought to make the migrant caravan and immigration major issues before the Nov. 6 elections, in which Republicans are battling to keep control of Congress. Honduras said 4,500 of its citizens attempting to emigrate have returned to the country in recent days.

Migrant caravan presses on towards US despite offer of jobs from Mexico

Mexico City dedicated its Day of the Dead parade on Saturday to migrants, just as thousands of Central Americans were trekking from the country’s southern border toward the United States under pressure from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to disband.

In an a twist on the traditional dancing skeletons and marigold-adorned altars making their way down the capital’s main thoroughfare, the parade also referenced Mexicans who emigrated as well as foreigners who settled in the capital.

“The parade... is dedicated to migrants, who in their transit to other countries have lost their lives, and who in their passing through the country have contributed to a true ‘Refuge City,’” the Mexico City government said on Twitter.

In one segment, gray metallic panels representing the Mexico side of the US&nbsp;border wall were stenciled with the phrase, “There are also dreams on this side.”

Other presentations honored exiled Spaniards, Argentineans and Jews, Mexico City’s culture ministry said.

The event ahead of November&nbsp;1 and 2, when Mexicans observe Day of the Dead in town squares, homes and cemeteries, coincided by chance with the journey of a migrant caravan traveling into Mexico, many fleeing violence and poverty in Honduras and Guatemala.

Some plan to seek asylum in Mexico. Others intend to reach the United States, angering Trump who has threatened to close the border and cut aid to Central American nations.

The caravan arrived in the southern state of Oaxaca on Saturday and may reach Mexico City as soon as next Friday. City officials will make four shelters available to house the group, according to local media.

Their arrival may prompt tension, said Johan Rivera, 36, a parade spectator.

“It’s delicate... There are lots of things to think through and analyze,” he said.

The parade, which included dancers portraying Monarch butterflies, famous for their long migratory routes, ended at a massive altar decorated with skeleton figures that local officials dedicated to migrants who have died.

“Mexico has always, traditionally, been a country of crossings,” said Mariana Villalobos, 33, at the parade. “It has a long tradition in accommodating migrants as well as refugees. And the current political situation... shows this is something very much alive.”

Mexico City dedicated its Day of the Dead parade on Saturday to migrants, just as thousands of Central Americans were trekking from the country’s southern border toward the United States under pressure from US President Donald Trump to disband.

Mexico City dedicated its Day of the Dead parade on Saturday to migrants, just as thousands of Central Americans were trekking from the country’s southern border toward the United States under pressure from US President Donald Trump to disband. In an a twist on the traditional dancing skeletons and marigold-adorned altars making their way down the capital’s main thoroughfare, the parade also referenced Mexicans who emigrated as well as foreigners who settled in the capital. “The parade... is dedicated to migrants, who in their transit to other countries have lost their lives, and who in their passing through the country have contributed to a true ‘Refuge City,’” the Mexico City government said on Twitter. In one segment, gray metallic panels representing the Mexico side of the US border wall were stenciled with the phrase, “There are also dreams on this side.” Other presentations honored exiled Spaniards, Argentineans and Jews, Mexico City’s culture ministry said. The event ahead of November 1 and 2, when Mexicans observe Day of the Dead in town squares, homes and cemeteries, coincided by chance with the journey of a migrant caravan traveling into Mexico, many fleeing violence and poverty in Honduras and Guatemala. Some plan to seek asylum in Mexico. Others intend to reach the United States, angering Trump who has threatened to close the border and cut aid to Central American nations. The caravan arrived in the southern state of Oaxaca on Saturday and may reach Mexico City as soon as next Friday. City officials will make four shelters available to house the group, according to local media. Their arrival may prompt tension, said Johan Rivera, 36, a parade spectator. “It’s delicate... There are lots of things to think through and analyze,” he said. The parade, which included dancers portraying Monarch butterflies, famous for their long migratory routes, ended at a massive altar decorated with skeleton figures that local officials dedicated to migrants who have died. “Mexico has always, traditionally, been a country of crossings,” said Mariana Villalobos, 33, at the parade. “It has a long tradition in accommodating migrants as well as refugees. And the current political situation... shows this is something very much alive.”

Mexico honors migrants at Day of the Dead as caravan treks north

Mexican president offers temporary permits to migrants

Taking a tough stand at the migrants heading towards the US from Central America, President Donald Trump on Thursday said that his country would not allow migrants&nbsp;to enter illegally.

Calling the situation as&nbsp;"National emergency", he asked the people to return back to their country and apply&nbsp;for citizenship of the United States.

"To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!", his tweet read.

A caravan of some 5,000 to 7,000 people, mostly from the three Latin American countries&nbsp;El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are heading towards America through Mexico to enter the country illegally.

The migrants include people who are seeking to escape violence, poverty and government corruption in their home countries.

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To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1055527191235227648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hours before his tweet, Trump had said that he was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bringing-out-the-military-to-protect-us-border-173423">deploying military on the Southern border</a> with Mexico to stop them from entering the United States illegally. He also described the situation as&nbsp;"national emergency".

He also hit out at the former US government saying that the people are taking the advantage of the "stupid" US policy of catch and release under which&nbsp;the immigrants are arrested immediately upon entering the border illegally and then released with the advice that they appear before the court for the next hearing, which at times is months away.

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Trump's administration had said Thursday that it would send 1,000 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border.

Although Trump's language in recent days has suggested the military might be directly involved in preventing the migrants from entering the United States, one official said the troops would engage only in logistics and infrastructure services, like setting up tents, and not law enforcement activities. 
There are currently 2,100 National Guard troops along the US border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Trump has taken a hard line toward immigration - legal and illegal - since becoming president.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking a tough stand at the migrants heading towards the US from Central America, President Donald Trump on Thursday said that his country would not allow migrants to enter illegally.

Taking a tough stand at the migrants heading towards the US from Central America, President Donald Trump on Thursday said that his country would not allow migrants to enter illegally. Calling the situation as "National emergency", he asked the people to return back to their country and apply for citizenship of the United States. "To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!", his tweet read. A caravan of some 5,000 to 7,000 people, mostly from the three Latin American countries El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are heading towards America through Mexico to enter the country illegally. The migrants include people who are seeking to escape violence, poverty and government corruption in their home countries. To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally. Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2018 × Hours before his tweet, Trump had said that he was deploying military on the Southern border with Mexico to stop them from entering the United States illegally. He also described the situation as "national emergency". He also hit out at the former US government saying that the people are taking the advantage of the "stupid" US policy of catch and release under which the immigrants are arrested immediately upon entering the border illegally and then released with the advice that they appear before the court for the next hearing, which at times is months away. × Trump's administration had said Thursday that it would send 1,000 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border. Although Trump's language in recent days has suggested the military might be directly involved in preventing the migrants from entering the United States, one official said the troops would engage only in logistics and infrastructure services, like setting up tents, and not law enforcement activities. There are currently 2,100 National Guard troops along the US border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Trump has taken a hard line toward immigration - legal and illegal - since becoming president. (With inputs from agencies)

Go back to your country, apply for US citizenship: Trump to caravan of Central American migrants

Thousands of Central American migrants crossing Mexico toward the United States in a caravan resumed their long trek Wednesday, walking about 12 hours to their next destination.

The migrants, who have drawn near-daily Twitter tirades from US President Donald Trump, walked and hitched rides from the town of Huixtla, in southern Mexico, to Mapastepec, some 60 kilometers (40 miles) away.

Carrying their few belongings on their backs -- many with babies pressed to their chests or holding their children by the hand -- they left at dawn after taking a one-day break to rest, bathe and nurse aching and injured feet.

"I miss my country. I'm not doing this because I want to. No one wants to leave their home to go to a place they don't know. But sometimes necessity pushes us to do this, because of what's happening in our countries," said Delmer Martinez, a migrant from El Salvador.

Determined to reach US border&nbsp;

Fleeing violent crime, political unrest and poverty at home, the migrants say they are determined to reach the United States -- despite Trump's vows to stop them, and his threats to cut aid to Central American countries, as well as to deploy the military and close the southern US border.

There are now about 7,000 migrants in the caravan, the United Nations estimates -- though Mexican authorities put the number much lower Wednesday: 3,630.

The vast majority are from Honduras.

In a show of solidarity, Mexicans watching the caravan pass shouted out, "Keep it up, brothers!" and gave them food and water.

"Mexico! Mexico!" the migrants shouted in reply, bathed in sweat under the hot sun of the southern state of Chiapas.

They have so far traveled about 100 kilometers from the Mexico-Guatemala border, where they crashed through a series of border gates Friday.

Halted at the final gate by hundreds of riot police, most of the caravan entered Mexico by swimming or taking rafts across the river that forms the border.

Mexican federal police have periodically accompanied the caravan in trucks or flown overhead in helicopters, but without attempting to stop it.

According to the Mexican government, about 1,700 people who were traveling in the caravan have requested asylum in Mexico.

The migrants still have some 3,000 kilometers left to walk to reach the US.

Thousands of Central American migrants crossing Mexico toward the United States in a caravan resumed their long trek Wednesday, walking about 12 hours to their next destination.

Thousands of Central American migrants crossing Mexico toward the United States in a caravan resumed their long trek Wednesday, walking about 12 hours to their next destination. The migrants, who have drawn near-daily Twitter tirades from US President Donald Trump, walked and hitched rides from the town of Huixtla, in southern Mexico, to Mapastepec, some 60 kilometers (40 miles) away. Carrying their few belongings on their backs -- many with babies pressed to their chests or holding their children by the hand -- they left at dawn after taking a one-day break to rest, bathe and nurse aching and injured feet. "I miss my country. I'm not doing this because I want to. No one wants to leave their home to go to a place they don't know. But sometimes necessity pushes us to do this, because of what's happening in our countries," said Delmer Martinez, a migrant from El Salvador. Determined to reach US border Fleeing violent crime, political unrest and poverty at home, the migrants say they are determined to reach the United States -- despite Trump's vows to stop them, and his threats to cut aid to Central American countries, as well as to deploy the military and close the southern US border. There are now about 7,000 migrants in the caravan, the United Nations estimates -- though Mexican authorities put the number much lower Wednesday: 3,630. The vast majority are from Honduras. In a show of solidarity, Mexicans watching the caravan pass shouted out, "Keep it up, brothers!" and gave them food and water. "Mexico! Mexico!" the migrants shouted in reply, bathed in sweat under the hot sun of the southern state of Chiapas. They have so far traveled about 100 kilometers from the Mexico-Guatemala border, where they crashed through a series of border gates Friday. Halted at the final gate by hundreds of riot police, most of the caravan entered Mexico by swimming or taking rafts across the river that forms the border. Mexican federal police have periodically accompanied the caravan in trucks or flown overhead in helicopters, but without attempting to stop it. According to the Mexican government, about 1,700 people who were traveling in the caravan have requested asylum in Mexico. The migrants still have some 3,000 kilometers left to walk to reach the US.

Migrant caravan resumes trek to US-Mexico border

Hurricane Willa makes landfall in Mexico

Hurricane Willa made landfall in Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful wind, heavy rain and what forecasters warned was "extremely dangerous" storm surge.

"The eye of Hurricane Willa is now over the coastline near the town of Escuinapa, Sinaloa," Mexico's National Meteorological Service said on Twitter.

The powerful storm, which was a maximum Category 5 hurricane on Monday, had weakened to Category 3 as it moved toward land. But forecasters warned it still had the potential to unleash deadly flooding and landslides.

The National Hurricane Center warned, "an extremely dangerous storm surge is occurring along portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico."

Mexico braced Tuesday for the impact of Hurricane Willa as it began unleashing a powerful storm surge on its Pacific coast, hours from what forecasters warned would be a potentially deadly landfall.

More than 4,250 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, including tourists who were on vacation at the beach, the head of Mexico's emergency services, Luis Felipe Puente, told a press conference.

They are being housed in 58 temporary shelters.

The Mexican army has deployed troops to roll out a disaster response operation in the area.

Mexico's Pacific coast has already been hit by deadly storms and rains this hurricane season.

In September, at least 15 people were killed when flash floods hit the states of Sinaloa and Michoacan. Last week, 11 more people died in Oaxaca, including seven children.

Hurricane Willa made landfall in Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful wind, heavy rain and what forecasters warned was "extremely dangerous" storm surge.

Hurricane Willa made landfall in Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful wind, heavy rain and what forecasters warned was "extremely dangerous" storm surge. "The eye of Hurricane Willa is now over the coastline near the town of Escuinapa, Sinaloa," Mexico's National Meteorological Service said on Twitter. The powerful storm, which was a maximum Category 5 hurricane on Monday, had weakened to Category 3 as it moved toward land. But forecasters warned it still had the potential to unleash deadly flooding and landslides. The National Hurricane Center warned, "an extremely dangerous storm surge is occurring along portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico." Mexico braced Tuesday for the impact of Hurricane Willa as it began unleashing a powerful storm surge on its Pacific coast, hours from what forecasters warned would be a potentially deadly landfall. More than 4,250 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, including tourists who were on vacation at the beach, the head of Mexico's emergency services, Luis Felipe Puente, told a press conference. They are being housed in 58 temporary shelters. The Mexican army has deployed troops to roll out a disaster response operation in the area. Mexico's Pacific coast has already been hit by deadly storms and rains this hurricane season. In September, at least 15 people were killed when flash floods hit the states of Sinaloa and Michoacan. Last week, 11 more people died in Oaxaca, including seven children.

Families crossing the US-Mexico border illegally surged to "crisis" levels in September as policies pressed by the administration of President Donald Trump failed to deter the flow of migrants from Central America, officials said Tuesday.

The jump drove total undocumented immigrant arrests at the southern US frontier in fiscal 2018 to over 520,000, a 25 per cent surge from the previous year.

US Customs and Border Protection said it had apprehended 16,658 people who arrived in the country in families last month, some 900 more than August and nearly 12,000 more than September one year ago.

It was the highest month for families on record, reflecting a jump in migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador fleeing widespread violence and poverty, many seeking asylum in the United States.

The surge was reported as Trump called a caravan of some 7,000 mostly Honduran migrants planning to traverse Mexico to the southern US border a national emergency and threatened to close the border completely to halt illegal immigration.

His aides blamed the failure of Congress to change laws that make it impossible to repatriate border crossers from Central America and instead force the government to arrest and then release them inside the United States.

CBP said an overall rise in arrests of undocumented border crossers last month helped return illegal immigration numbers to levels seen before Trump became president in January 2017.

For the full fiscal year, which ended September 30, a total of 521,090 people without immigration documents were apprehended or blocked at the Mexico border.

That was up by more than 105,000 from the previous year, Trump's first year in office when he declared that his tough crackdown on immigration was working.

In fiscal 2016, the last full year before Trump became president, total southern border arrests topped 553,000.

The CBP data showed a continuing trend toward more people crossing in families, despite the Trump administration's threat to separate parents from their children as a deterrent.

Out of the total last year, families and unaccompanied minors made up about 40 percent of all those picked up by border officials for trying to sneak into the country.

Speaking under condition of anonymity, a senior administration official called it a border crisis "that is unprecedented in our history."

The official said laws meant to protect the rights and safety of border crossers are serving as a pull on illegal migrants, allowing them to stay in the United States for years while the US legal system processes their cases.

Simple legal changes -- including being able to repatriate Central Americans as is done with Mexican immigrants -- will deter many of them from trying, according to the official.

"The cost on society is enormous," the official said.

"We are apprehending these aliens. If we could return them, there would be no crisis."

Families crossing the US-Mexico border illegally surged to "crisis" levels in September as policies pressed by the administration of President Donald Trump failed to deter the flow of migrants from Central America, officials said Tuesday.

Families crossing the US-Mexico border illegally surged to "crisis" levels in September as policies pressed by the administration of President Donald Trump failed to deter the flow of migrants from Central America, officials said Tuesday. The jump drove total undocumented immigrant arrests at the southern US frontier in fiscal 2018 to over 520,000, a 25 per cent surge from the previous year. US Customs and Border Protection said it had apprehended 16,658 people who arrived in the country in families last month, some 900 more than August and nearly 12,000 more than September one year ago. It was the highest month for families on record, reflecting a jump in migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador fleeing widespread violence and poverty, many seeking asylum in the United States. The surge was reported as Trump called a caravan of some 7,000 mostly Honduran migrants planning to traverse Mexico to the southern US border a national emergency and threatened to close the border completely to halt illegal immigration. His aides blamed the failure of Congress to change laws that make it impossible to repatriate border crossers from Central America and instead force the government to arrest and then release them inside the United States. CBP said an overall rise in arrests of undocumented border crossers last month helped return illegal immigration numbers to levels seen before Trump became president in January 2017. For the full fiscal year, which ended September 30, a total of 521,090 people without immigration documents were apprehended or blocked at the Mexico border. That was up by more than 105,000 from the previous year, Trump's first year in office when he declared that his tough crackdown on immigration was working. In fiscal 2016, the last full year before Trump became president, total southern border arrests topped 553,000. The CBP data showed a continuing trend toward more people crossing in families, despite the Trump administration's threat to separate parents from their children as a deterrent. Out of the total last year, families and unaccompanied minors made up about 40 percent of all those picked up by border officials for trying to sneak into the country. Speaking under condition of anonymity, a senior administration official called it a border crisis "that is unprecedented in our history." The official said laws meant to protect the rights and safety of border crossers are serving as a pull on illegal migrants, allowing them to stay in the United States for years while the US legal system processes their cases. Simple legal changes -- including being able to repatriate Central Americans as is done with Mexican immigrants -- will deter many of them from trying, according to the official. "The cost on society is enormous," the official said. "We are apprehending these aliens. If we could return them, there would be no crisis."

Family border crossings surge to 'crisis' levels: White House

Thousands of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-start-cutting-aid-as-migrant-caravan-rolls-on-trump-172856">Honduran migrants heading to the United States </a>-- a caravan President Donald Trump has called an "assault on our country" -- stopped to rest Tuesday after walking for two days into Mexican territory.

Sleeping on cardboard boxes or plastic bags, the migrants set up a massive, impromptu camp in the southern town of Huixtla, 70 kilometers (45 miles) from the Mexico-Guatemala border.

Many nursed bleeding feet mangled by 10 days of walking nearly 800 kilometers in plastic shoes or flip-flops.

"They're exhausted," said migrant rights activist Rodrigo Abeja, of the group Pueblos Sin Fronteras (People Without Borders), which is accompanying the caravan.

"They're going to rest here today and tonight," and then continue their journey north, he told AFP.

More than 7,000 people have now joined the caravan, according to the United Nations, including some Central Americans who were already in Mexico.

Many of the migrants are fleeing poverty and insecurity in Honduras, where powerful street gangs rule their turf with brutal violence.

Politically loaded

The caravan has become a politically loaded issue, with only two weeks to go before the United States votes in key midterm elections.

Trump has taken to attacking it regularly -- both on Twitter and on the campaign trail -- firing up his conservative base with the anti-immigration rhetoric that helped get him elected in 2016.

On Monday, he said the US would start cutting aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador for failing to stop the migrants, called the caravan a national emergency and alleged it was infiltrated by "Middle Easterners" and members of the ultra-violent gang MS-13.

Adding to the political tempest, Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that according to Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, the caravan "was organized by leftist groups in Honduras financed by Venezuela and sent north to challenge our sovereignty."

US Customs and Border Protection meanwhile said it had apprehended a record 16,658 people who arrived in the country illegally in families last month, up 900 from August and nearly 12,000 from September 2017.

A senior administration official called the surge a "crisis."

Mexico vowed not to bow to outside pressure to halt the caravan. But activists accused the country of violating the migrants' rights by detaining anyone who tried to apply for asylum.

Mexican authorities said they had registered 1,699 asylum applications from caravan travelers who opted to enter the country legally. Another 495 migrants have voluntarily asked to be returned to Honduras, they said.

Swelling numbers

Late Monday, Mexico allowed about 400 migrants to enter the country after they spent days packed onto a bridge over the Suchiate River, which forms Mexico's southern border with Guatemala.

The caravan had stormed through a series of border barriers Friday and flooded onto the bridge, but hundreds of Mexican riot police blocked their passage.

Most of the migrants then swam or took rafts across the river, but one group had remained camped out on the bridge.

Another group of about 1,000 Hondurans meanwhile started a separate march Sunday across Guatemala, headed for Mexico and then the United States.

Dangerous journey

Migrants in the main caravan -- which set out on October 13 from San Pedro Sula, Honduras -- have been traveling on foot or hitching rides on passing cars and trucks, often crowding onto them precariously.

Two migrants have been killed when they fell off vehicles that let them hitch a ride, according to authorities in Mexico and Guatemala.

Caravan members also face the threat of being robbed, kidnapped or killed by Mexican gangs that extort migrants on their journey.

Caravan of children

Humanitarian organizations estimate that one-fourth of the caravan's members are children, a representative of Save the Children told AFP.

Guadalupe Del Carmen, 29, who is traveling with her nine-year-old son, recounted the difficulty of the journey -- such as the moment her son started to cry, "Mommy, I don't want to do this anymore" while crossing the Suchiate River on a raft made of inner tubes.

"He wanted to go back to Honduras. But I explained we can't go back, that the situation in our country is too difficult and that's why we had to run away," she said quietly.

With a homicide rate of 43 per 100,000 citizens, Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the world.

Thousands of Honduran migrants heading to the United States -- a caravan President Donald Trump has called an "assault on our country" -- stopped to rest Tuesday after walking for two days into Mexican territory.

Thousands of Honduran migrants heading to the United States -- a caravan President Donald Trump has called an "assault on our country" -- stopped to rest Tuesday after walking for two days into Mexican territory. Sleeping on cardboard boxes or plastic bags, the migrants set up a massive, impromptu camp in the southern town of Huixtla, 70 kilometers (45 miles) from the Mexico-Guatemala border. Many nursed bleeding feet mangled by 10 days of walking nearly 800 kilometers in plastic shoes or flip-flops. "They're exhausted," said migrant rights activist Rodrigo Abeja, of the group Pueblos Sin Fronteras (People Without Borders), which is accompanying the caravan. "They're going to rest here today and tonight," and then continue their journey north, he told AFP. More than 7,000 people have now joined the caravan, according to the United Nations, including some Central Americans who were already in Mexico. Many of the migrants are fleeing poverty and insecurity in Honduras, where powerful street gangs rule their turf with brutal violence. Politically loaded The caravan has become a politically loaded issue, with only two weeks to go before the United States votes in key midterm elections. Trump has taken to attacking it regularly -- both on Twitter and on the campaign trail -- firing up his conservative base with the anti-immigration rhetoric that helped get him elected in 2016. On Monday, he said the US would start cutting aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador for failing to stop the migrants, called the caravan a national emergency and alleged it was infiltrated by "Middle Easterners" and members of the ultra-violent gang MS-13. Adding to the political tempest, Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that according to Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, the caravan "was organized by leftist groups in Honduras financed by Venezuela and sent north to challenge our sovereignty." US Customs and Border Protection meanwhile said it had apprehended a record 16,658 people who arrived in the country illegally in families last month, up 900 from August and nearly 12,000 from September 2017. A senior administration official called the surge a "crisis." Mexico vowed not to bow to outside pressure to halt the caravan. But activists accused the country of violating the migrants' rights by detaining anyone who tried to apply for asylum. Mexican authorities said they had registered 1,699 asylum applications from caravan travelers who opted to enter the country legally. Another 495 migrants have voluntarily asked to be returned to Honduras, they said. Swelling numbers Late Monday, Mexico allowed about 400 migrants to enter the country after they spent days packed onto a bridge over the Suchiate River, which forms Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. The caravan had stormed through a series of border barriers Friday and flooded onto the bridge, but hundreds of Mexican riot police blocked their passage. Most of the migrants then swam or took rafts across the river, but one group had remained camped out on the bridge. Another group of about 1,000 Hondurans meanwhile started a separate march Sunday across Guatemala, headed for Mexico and then the United States. Dangerous journey Migrants in the main caravan -- which set out on October 13 from San Pedro Sula, Honduras -- have been traveling on foot or hitching rides on passing cars and trucks, often crowding onto them precariously. Two migrants have been killed when they fell off vehicles that let them hitch a ride, according to authorities in Mexico and Guatemala. Caravan members also face the threat of being robbed, kidnapped or killed by Mexican gangs that extort migrants on their journey. Caravan of children Humanitarian organizations estimate that one-fourth of the caravan's members are children, a representative of Save the Children told AFP. Guadalupe Del Carmen, 29, who is traveling with her nine-year-old son, recounted the difficulty of the journey -- such as the moment her son started to cry, "Mommy, I don't want to do this anymore" while crossing the Suchiate River on a raft made of inner tubes. "He wanted to go back to Honduras. But I explained we can't go back, that the situation in our country is too difficult and that's why we had to run away," she said quietly. With a homicide rate of 43 per 100,000 citizens, Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the world.

Migrant caravan stops to rest in Mexico amid Trump threats

Hurricane Willa crashed ashore in western Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful winds and heavy rain before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved inland.

The powerful storm, which was a maximum Category 5 hurricane on Monday, had weakened to Category 3 as it moved toward land.

Forecasters warned that the storm still had the potential to unleash deadly flooding and landslides.

However, storm surge levels will subside over the course of Wednesday and Willa is expected to dissipate by the afternoon, the US National Hurricane Center said.

As of 0600 GMT, the storm's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph (75 kph).

Willa first swept over the Marias islands, where Mexico has a federal prison.

The interior ministry did not respond to questions on whether it had evacuated the 1,000 inmates housed there or what other emergency measures were in place for the penal colony.

"We do not have any reports of damages there so far," the head of Mexico's emergency services, Luis Felipe Puente, told a press conference.

More than 4,250 people were evacuated from high-risk areas, including tourists who were on vacation at the beach, he said.

They are being housed in 58 temporary shelters.

'Up against nature'

At a shelter in Escuinapa, a town of 30,000 people that sits in the middle of the storm's likely path, residents fretted over their houses as they waited out the storm.

"Let's just hope this is over soon so we can go home," said Epigmenio Cardenas, 44, a farmer who was among the 2,500 people huddled there.

"You feel bad leaving everything behind, but what can you do? We're up against nature," he told AFP.

Many residents had boarded up their windows with plywood.

"They told us it was going to hit hard, and that we had to come here" to the shelter, said Maria Virginia Cardenas, 59, a cook.

"God, please just let us go back home unharmed."

The Mexican army deployed troops to roll out a disaster response operation in the area.

In Mazatlan, a tranquil resort town with turquoise waters, the hotels that line the coast were largely empty as workers nailed plywood over the windows and built sandbag barriers to keep out the flood waters earlier in the day.

As the storm moved over the town, drenching it in a light but steady rain, some hardy residents even went for walks or bike rides on the oceanfront avenue, the Malecon.

State of alert

At its peak, Willa packed maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers (120 miles) per hour, the NHC said.&nbsp;

It is expected to dump 15 to 30 centimeters (six to 12 inches) of rain on parts of Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco states, with some areas getting up to 45 centimeters.

The three states had already declared an alert and cancelled school.

In the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval on Monday ordered the evacuation of hotels and coastal areas, warning the storm could have "very destructive consequences."

In Michoacan state, also on the Pacific coast, heavy rain caused a freight train to derail Monday in the town of La Goleta, injuring at least two workers for the Kansas City Southern rail line, authorities said.

Adding to the weather chaos, the remnants of Tropical Storm Vicente were moving over Michoacan on Tuesday, bringing more heavy rainfall.

Mexico's Pacific coast has already been hit by deadly storms and rains this hurricane season.

In September, at least 15 people were killed when flash floods hit the states of Sinaloa and Michoacan. Last week, 11 more people died in Oaxaca, including seven children.

Hurricane Willa crashed ashore in western Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful winds and heavy rain before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved inland.

Hurricane Willa crashed ashore in western Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful winds and heavy rain before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved inland. The powerful storm, which was a maximum Category 5 hurricane on Monday, had weakened to Category 3 as it moved toward land. Forecasters warned that the storm still had the potential to unleash deadly flooding and landslides. However, storm surge levels will subside over the course of Wednesday and Willa is expected to dissipate by the afternoon, the US National Hurricane Center said. As of 0600 GMT, the storm's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph (75 kph). Willa first swept over the Marias islands, where Mexico has a federal prison. The interior ministry did not respond to questions on whether it had evacuated the 1,000 inmates housed there or what other emergency measures were in place for the penal colony. "We do not have any reports of damages there so far," the head of Mexico's emergency services, Luis Felipe Puente, told a press conference. More than 4,250 people were evacuated from high-risk areas, including tourists who were on vacation at the beach, he said. They are being housed in 58 temporary shelters. 'Up against nature' At a shelter in Escuinapa, a town of 30,000 people that sits in the middle of the storm's likely path, residents fretted over their houses as they waited out the storm. "Let's just hope this is over soon so we can go home," said Epigmenio Cardenas, 44, a farmer who was among the 2,500 people huddled there. "You feel bad leaving everything behind, but what can you do? We're up against nature," he told AFP. Many residents had boarded up their windows with plywood. "They told us it was going to hit hard, and that we had to come here" to the shelter, said Maria Virginia Cardenas, 59, a cook. "God, please just let us go back home unharmed." The Mexican army deployed troops to roll out a disaster response operation in the area. In Mazatlan, a tranquil resort town with turquoise waters, the hotels that line the coast were largely empty as workers nailed plywood over the windows and built sandbag barriers to keep out the flood waters earlier in the day. As the storm moved over the town, drenching it in a light but steady rain, some hardy residents even went for walks or bike rides on the oceanfront avenue, the Malecon. State of alert At its peak, Willa packed maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers (120 miles) per hour, the NHC said. It is expected to dump 15 to 30 centimeters (six to 12 inches) of rain on parts of Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco states, with some areas getting up to 45 centimeters. The three states had already declared an alert and cancelled school. In the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval on Monday ordered the evacuation of hotels and coastal areas, warning the storm could have "very destructive consequences." In Michoacan state, also on the Pacific coast, heavy rain caused a freight train to derail Monday in the town of La Goleta, injuring at least two workers for the Kansas City Southern rail line, authorities said. Adding to the weather chaos, the remnants of Tropical Storm Vicente were moving over Michoacan on Tuesday, bringing more heavy rainfall. Mexico's Pacific coast has already been hit by deadly storms and rains this hurricane season. In September, at least 15 people were killed when flash floods hit the states of Sinaloa and Michoacan. Last week, 11 more people died in Oaxaca, including seven children.

Hurricane Willa slams Mexico's Pacific coast, weakens

Hurricane Willa, an extremely <a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/hurricane-willa-surges-towards-mexico-coastal-areas-on-alert-172702">dangerous a Category 4 storm</a>, weakened slightly as it veered toward popular tourist resorts on Mexico's Pacific coast on Monday, prompting government warnings for people to evacuate high-risk areas and take cover.

Mexican authorities urged residents to evacuate to temporary shelters, closed ports, cancelled classes and suspended beachside and marine activities.

The storm was due to come ashore after lunch on Tuesday just south of Mazatlan, a popular beach resort in the northwestern state of Sinaloa. Several other tourist destinations also lie near to the storm's path.

Willa, which earlier in the day had been a Category 5 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, was blowing maximum sustained winds of near 155 miles per hour (250 kph) by mid-afternoon with higher gusts, the Miami-based US&nbsp;National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Complete power outages, damage to roofs and even the foundations of buildings that are up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the coastline were possible, Mexico's National Meteorological Service (SMN) said.

Alberto Hernandez, head of the SMN, said the storm would probably be a Category 4 or 3 hurricane when it reached land, and could cause waves several meters (feet) high.

It could also lead to the formation of waterspouts in front of the coast of Puerto Vallarta, the SMN said, referring to another beach resort in the state of Jalisco.

Nearly three years ago to the day, Hurricane Patricia, one of the most powerful storms on record, struck Mexico close to Puerto Vallarta with winds that tore down trees, moved cars and forced thousands of people to flee homes.

Speaking in the western city of Guadalajara, President Enrique Pena Nieto warned the population to prepare for the arrival of Willa and urged residents to take cover.

The storm was about 110 miles (175 km) west-southwest of the town of Cabo Corrientes and is "expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the coast of Mexico" the NHC said.

Willa is moving northward and is forecast to gradually lose power during the next day or so and weaken rapidly after hitting the coast.

The SMN urged residents to "exercise extreme caution" as rains have softened the soil in some areas. Willa's downpours could cause landslides, flooding and damage to roadways.

The NHC said that the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft that was en route to Willa experienced a safety issue before entering the storm and had to return to base.

Willa is expected to douse coastal states Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa with 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of rain, likely triggering flash floods and landslides, the NHC said. Some areas may see as much as 18 inches&nbsp;of rainfall.

To the south, Tropical Storm Vicente weakened further, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph). It was churning some 310 miles (500 km) southeast of the Pacific port Manzanillo.

While Vicente is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Monday night or Tuesday, it could produce major rainfall and the risk of flash floods and landslides, the NHC said.

Hurricane Willa, an extremely dangerous a Category 4 storm, weakened slightly as it veered toward popular tourist resorts on Mexico's Pacific coast on Monday, prompting government warnings for people to evacuate high-risk areas and take cover.

Hurricane Willa, an extremely dangerous a Category 4 storm, weakened slightly as it veered toward popular tourist resorts on Mexico's Pacific coast on Monday, prompting government warnings for people to evacuate high-risk areas and take cover. Mexican authorities urged residents to evacuate to temporary shelters, closed ports, cancelled classes and suspended beachside and marine activities. The storm was due to come ashore after lunch on Tuesday just south of Mazatlan, a popular beach resort in the northwestern state of Sinaloa. Several other tourist destinations also lie near to the storm's path. Willa, which earlier in the day had been a Category 5 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, was blowing maximum sustained winds of near 155 miles per hour (250 kph) by mid-afternoon with higher gusts, the Miami-based US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Complete power outages, damage to roofs and even the foundations of buildings that are up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the coastline were possible, Mexico's National Meteorological Service (SMN) said. Alberto Hernandez, head of the SMN, said the storm would probably be a Category 4 or 3 hurricane when it reached land, and could cause waves several meters (feet) high. It could also lead to the formation of waterspouts in front of the coast of Puerto Vallarta, the SMN said, referring to another beach resort in the state of Jalisco. Nearly three years ago to the day, Hurricane Patricia, one of the most powerful storms on record, struck Mexico close to Puerto Vallarta with winds that tore down trees, moved cars and forced thousands of people to flee homes. Speaking in the western city of Guadalajara, President Enrique Pena Nieto warned the population to prepare for the arrival of Willa and urged residents to take cover. The storm was about 110 miles (175 km) west-southwest of the town of Cabo Corrientes and is "expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the coast of Mexico" the NHC said. Willa is moving northward and is forecast to gradually lose power during the next day or so and weaken rapidly after hitting the coast. The SMN urged residents to "exercise extreme caution" as rains have softened the soil in some areas. Willa's downpours could cause landslides, flooding and damage to roadways. The NHC said that the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft that was en route to Willa experienced a safety issue before entering the storm and had to return to base. Willa is expected to douse coastal states Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa with 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of rain, likely triggering flash floods and landslides, the NHC said. Some areas may see as much as 18 inches of rainfall. To the south, Tropical Storm Vicente weakened further, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph). It was churning some 310 miles (500 km) southeast of the Pacific port Manzanillo. While Vicente is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Monday night or Tuesday, it could produce major rainfall and the risk of flash floods and landslides, the NHC said.

Hurricane Willa targets  Mexico's Pacific coast;  high-risk areas evacuated

Despite Trump threats, migrant 'caravan' rolls on towards America

Hurricane Willa surged to a dangerous Category Four storm Sunday off Mexico's Pacific coast, US forecasters said.&nbsp;

"Extremely dangerous... Hurricane Willa continues to rapidly strengthen (and is) forecast to produce life-threatening storm surge, wind and rainfall over portions of southwestern and west-central Mexico beginning on Tuesday," the Miami-based National Hurricane Center warned.

The monster storm was 365 kilometres (225 miles) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, packing top sustained winds of 220 kilometres per hour.

It was churning forward north-northwest, at a slow nine kilometres per hour, the forecast said.

"Additional strengthening is expected during the next day or so, and Willa is forecast to be a dangerous hurricane when it reaches the coast of Mexico," the NHC said.

Mexico's government has put various parts of the coast on alert. 
&nbsp;

Hurricane Willa surged to a dangerous Category Four storm Sunday off Mexico's Pacific coast, US forecasters said. "Extremely dangerous... Hurricane Willa continues to rapidly strengthen (and is) forecast to produce life-threatening storm surge, wind and rainfall over portions of southwestern and west-central Mexico beginning on Tuesday," the Miami-based National Hurricane Center warned.

Hurricane Willa surged to a dangerous Category Four storm Sunday off Mexico's Pacific coast, US forecasters said. "Extremely dangerous... Hurricane Willa continues to rapidly strengthen (and is) forecast to produce life-threatening storm surge, wind and rainfall over portions of southwestern and west-central Mexico beginning on Tuesday," the Miami-based National Hurricane Center warned. The monster storm was 365 kilometres (225 miles) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, packing top sustained winds of 220 kilometres per hour. It was churning forward north-northwest, at a slow nine kilometres per hour, the forecast said. "Additional strengthening is expected during the next day or so, and Willa is forecast to be a dangerous hurricane when it reaches the coast of Mexico," the NHC said. Mexico's government has put various parts of the coast on alert.

Hurricane Willa surges towards Mexico; coastal areas on alert

Hundreds of Central American migrants are gathered at the border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala on Friday (October 19), stuck at its shuttered gate as they seek passage north towards the United States.

Reuters video showed men, women and children waiting onto a bridge connecting Mexico and Guatemala, only to be met by dozens of Mexican police and immigration officials on the other side of the gate.

Many have vowed to stay put, demanding to be let through. But only a small number have trickled in.

Many of these migrant families are fleeing violence and poverty back home, with large swathes of Central America afflicted by gang violence and drug trafficking.

Earlier, Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray vowed to meet the "challenge" of the caravan after holding talks with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Mexico City.

Trump has threatened to shut down the US-Mexico border if the caravan is not stopped, which could seriously disrupt trade.

Hundreds of Central American migrants are gathered at the border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala on Friday (October 19), stuck at its shuttered gate as they seek passage north towards the United States.

Hundreds of Central American migrants are gathered at the border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala on Friday (October 19), stuck at its shuttered gate as they seek passage north towards the United States. Reuters video showed men, women and children waiting onto a bridge connecting Mexico and Guatemala, only to be met by dozens of Mexican police and immigration officials on the other side of the gate. Many have vowed to stay put, demanding to be let through. But only a small number have trickled in. Many of these migrant families are fleeing violence and poverty back home, with large swathes of Central America afflicted by gang violence and drug trafficking. Earlier, Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray vowed to meet the "challenge" of the caravan after holding talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Mexico City. Trump has threatened to shut down the US-Mexico border if the caravan is not stopped, which could seriously disrupt trade.

Migrants amass on border bridge to Mexico on trek north to US

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