Mexico on Monday (Feb 17) warned Google that it was prepared to take legal action against the tech giant if it insists on renaming the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America" for US-based Maps users.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, speaking at her daily press briefing, said that her government has once again reiterated its opposition to the change in a letter to Google.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blocked-this-news-agency-from-modi-press-conference-amid-gulf-of-mexicoamerica-naming-dispute-8719499">Trump blocked THIS news agency from Modi press conference amid 'Gulf of Mexico/America' naming dispute</a>
<h2>Mexico's argument against the name change</h2>
Sheinbaum said that Mexico has written to Google, arguing that US President Donald Trump's executive order on the matter only applies to the US portion of the continental shelf. &nbsp;
"Google has no right to rename Mexico's continental shelf, nor does it have any right to rename Cuba's continental shelf, because the Gulf of Mexico is divided among the three countries," she declared.&nbsp;
The letter, she added, makes it clear that "under no circumstances does Mexico accept the renaming of any geographic area that includes part of its national territory and that is under its jurisdiction". &nbsp;
"We will wait for Google's response and, if not, we will proceed in court," added the Mexico president added, doubling down on a threat she first made previously.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-falls-in-line-with-trumps-order-changes-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-8709246">Google falls in line with Trump&rsquo;s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to &lsquo;Gulf of America&rsquo;</a>
On Friday, as per AFP, Sheinbaum announced that her government was considering filing a civil suit against Google.
<h2>Trump's order</h2>
The dispute follows Trump's executive order, signed shortly after his January 20 inauguration, directing US federal agencies and businesses to adopt the term "Gulf of America."
His administration's Interior Department announced on January 24, 2025, that it has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.&nbsp;
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mocked Trump by suggesting to call the United States "Mexican America," pointing to an older map before one-third of her country was seized by the US in 1848. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-of-america-or-gulf-of-mexico-how-google-deals-with-controversial-geography-8675623">'Gulf of America' or 'Gulf of Mexico': How Google deals with controversial geography</a>
Falling in line with Trump's order, Google in a blog post on February 10, 2025, announced that it was changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' for those using its Maps application in the United States.
"People using Maps in the U.S. will see 'Gulf of America,' and people in Mexico will see 'Gulf of Mexico.' Everyone else will see both names," wrote the tech giant.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Image shared by Google." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/11/FbFuJy5omkmltSpOsWuA.jpg" style="width: 1280px;"><pwa-container-wrapper style="display: flex !important; height: 0px !important;"><pwa-container data-uid="pwa_23737-4FE37-39B58-7A2E0-F4" class="pwa-container " style="overflow: hidden; position: absolute; box-sizing: content-box; pointer-events: none; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; width: 1280px; height: 22.3958px; z-index: 1;"><pwa style="position: absolute; top: 99999px; left: 999999px; width: 1px; height: 1px;"></pwa></pwa-container><pwa-container style="overflow: hidden; position: absolute; box-sizing: content-box; pointer-events: none; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; width: 1280px; height: 22.3958px; z-index: 1;"></pwa-container></pwa-container-wrapper>
<figcaption pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-9C0-816-16A20-FE6" pwa-fake-editor="" spellcheck="false">Image shared by Google. Photograph: (https://blog.google/)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
<h2>Google defends move</h2>
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has defended its decision, explaining in a letter to Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ram&oacute;n de la Fuente that the name change was "consistent with our normal operating procedure to reflect on our platforms geographic names prescribed by different authoritative, government sources, including reflecting where authoritative sources may differ." &nbsp;&nbsp; The company also expressed willingness to engage in a "constructive dialogue" with Mexican officials, potentially through an in-person meeting. &nbsp;
Meanwhile, Apple has also implemented the "Gulf of America" label for US users of its mapping application, complying with Trump&rsquo;s directive. &nbsp;

World news | President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasised Mexico's refusal to accept any geographic name changes involving its national territory.

Mexico on Monday (Feb 17) warned Google that it was prepared to take legal action against the tech giant if it insists on renaming the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America" for US-based Maps users. President Claudia Sheinbaum, speaking at her daily press briefing, said that her government has once again reiterated its opposition to the change in a letter to Google. Also read | Trump blocked THIS news agency from Modi press conference amid 'Gulf of Mexico/America' naming dispute Mexico's argument against the name change Sheinbaum said that Mexico has written to Google, arguing that US President Donald Trump's executive order on the matter only applies to the US portion of the continental shelf. "Google has no right to rename Mexico's continental shelf, nor does it have any right to rename Cuba's continental shelf, because the Gulf of Mexico is divided among the three countries," she declared. The letter, she added, makes it clear that "under no circumstances does Mexico accept the renaming of any geographic area that includes part of its national territory and that is under its jurisdiction". "We will wait for Google's response and, if not, we will proceed in court," added the Mexico president added, doubling down on a threat she first made previously. Also read | Google falls in line with Trump’s order, changes Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ On Friday, as per AFP, Sheinbaum announced that her government was considering filing a civil suit against Google. Trump's order The dispute follows Trump's executive order, signed shortly after his January 20 inauguration, directing US federal agencies and businesses to adopt the term "Gulf of America." His administration's Interior Department announced on January 24, 2025, that it has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mocked Trump by suggesting to call the United States "Mexican America," pointing to an older map before one-third of her country was seized by the US in 1848. Also read | 'Gulf of America' or 'Gulf of Mexico': How Google deals with controversial geography Falling in line with Trump's order, Google in a blog post on February 10, 2025, announced that it was changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' for those using its Maps application in the United States. "People using Maps in the U.S. will see 'Gulf of America,' and people in Mexico will see 'Gulf of Mexico.' Everyone else will see both names," wrote the tech giant. Image shared by Google. Photograph: (https://blog.google/) Google defends move Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has defended its decision, explaining in a letter to Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente that the name change was "consistent with our normal operating procedure to reflect on our platforms geographic names prescribed by different authoritative, government sources, including reflecting where authoritative sources may differ." The company also expressed willingness to engage in a "constructive dialogue" with Mexican officials, potentially through an in-person meeting. Meanwhile, Apple has also implemented the "Gulf of America" label for US users of its mapping application, complying with Trump’s directive.

Mexico threatens Google with legal action for renaming Gulf of Mexico

The Mexican government has paused its relationship with the U.S. and Canadian embassies in the country, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Tuesday, after their ambassadors criticised a proposed judicial reform that he backs.

"There is a pause," Lopez Obrador said in a press conference, clarifying that the freeze was with the embassies and not with the countries.

The president is pushing a reform to elect judges, including Supreme Court justices, by popular vote. A committee in the lower house of Mexico's Congress passed the proposal late on Monday, paving the way for it to be approved when the newly elected Congress takes office in September.

U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar last week labelled the reform a "major risk to the functioning of Mexico's democracy" and cautioned of a potential risk to the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship.

The U.S. and Mexico are each other's largest trade partners.

Canada's ambassador to Mexico, Graeme Clark, also warned of investment concerns.

It was not entirely clear what impact such a pause - limited to the embassies in Mexico - would have. The U.S. and Canadian embassies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Proponents say the reform will boost democracy and help fix a system that they argue does not serve the public, while critics say it will skew power in favor of the executive, cut off judges' careers, and make the courts more susceptible to criminal influence.

The pause in the relationship with the U.S. embassy is "because (the U.S. ambassador) is looking to talk with us," Lopez Obrador said.

"How are we going to allow the ambassador to give his opinion, to say what we're doing is wrong?" Lopez Obrador added. "We aren't going to tell him to get out of the country. But for him to read our Constitution, yes, we will say that."

Salazar had said he was open to speaking with Mexican government leaders to discuss different judicial models.

Lopez Obrador said the "pause" would continue until "there was confirmation that (the embassies) would respect Mexico's independence."

Mexico's peso was down 1.3% in mid-morning trade after the president's comments.

It has dropped sharply since the June elections, in which Lopez Obrador's favoured successor Claudia Sheinbaum won the presidency and their Morena party and allies bagged a supermajority in the lower house and nearly a supermajority in the Senate.

A two-thirds vote is necessary to amend the Constitution, which the judicial reform would need to do.

The Mexican government has paused its relationship with the U.S. and Canadian embassies in the country, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Tuesday, after their ambassadors criticised a proposed judicial reform that he backs.

The Mexican government has paused its relationship with the U.S. and Canadian embassies in the country, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Tuesday, after their ambassadors criticised a proposed judicial reform that he backs. "There is a pause," Lopez Obrador said in a press conference, clarifying that the freeze was with the embassies and not with the countries. The president is pushing a reform to elect judges, including Supreme Court justices, by popular vote. A committee in the lower house of Mexico's Congress passed the proposal late on Monday, paving the way for it to be approved when the newly elected Congress takes office in September. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar last week labelled the reform a "major risk to the functioning of Mexico's democracy" and cautioned of a potential risk to the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. The U.S. and Mexico are each other's largest trade partners. Canada's ambassador to Mexico, Graeme Clark, also warned of investment concerns. It was not entirely clear what impact such a pause - limited to the embassies in Mexico - would have. The U.S. and Canadian embassies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Proponents say the reform will boost democracy and help fix a system that they argue does not serve the public, while critics say it will skew power in favor of the executive, cut off judges' careers, and make the courts more susceptible to criminal influence. The pause in the relationship with the U.S. embassy is "because (the U.S. ambassador) is looking to talk with us," Lopez Obrador said. "How are we going to allow the ambassador to give his opinion, to say what we're doing is wrong?" Lopez Obrador added. "We aren't going to tell him to get out of the country. But for him to read our Constitution, yes, we will say that." Salazar had said he was open to speaking with Mexican government leaders to discuss different judicial models. Lopez Obrador said the "pause" would continue until "there was confirmation that (the embassies) would respect Mexico's independence." Mexico's peso was down 1.3% in mid-morning trade after the president's comments. It has dropped sharply since the June elections, in which Lopez Obrador's favoured successor Claudia Sheinbaum won the presidency and their Morena party and allies bagged a supermajority in the lower house and nearly a supermajority in the Senate. A two-thirds vote is necessary to amend the Constitution, which the judicial reform would need to do.

Mexico freezes relations with US, Canadian embassies after judicial reform criticism

At least 39&nbsp;people were killed after a fire broke out at a migration detention centre near the United States and Mexico border, on early Tuesday (March 28), said the government's National Migration Institute (INM). The incident took place&nbsp;late Monday just before 10:00 pm&nbsp;in Mexico’s northern border city of Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas&nbsp;in a facility run by the INM.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The INM "of the Interior Ministry regrets the deaths -- so far -- of 39 foreign migrants, caused by a fire," said the government agency in a statement.&nbsp;It added, 68 adult men from Central and South America were&nbsp;staying at the facility.&nbsp;

Some 29 migrants were injured and were taken to&nbsp;four hospitals in the area, said the INM. 
 
The national immigration agency also said that it "energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy”, without any further explanations about what those&nbsp;actions might have been.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Comunicado?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Comunicado</a> 🗞️| <a href="https://twitter.com/INAMI_mx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INAMI_mx</a> lamenta el fallecimiento de 39 personas migrantes extranjeras, derivado de un incendio que se originó poco antes de las 22:00 hrs del lunes en el área de alojamiento de la Estancia Provisional de Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua. <a href="https://t.co/NCe0yExH9T">https://t.co/NCe0yExH9T</a> <a href="https://t.co/vhT9cgXzsq">pic.twitter.com/vhT9cgXzsq</a>
— INM (@INAMI_mx) <a href="https://twitter.com/INAMI_mx/status/1640665402790359041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Mexico’s prosecutor general has begun an investigation into the incident, said the federal deputy of Ciudad Juarez, Andrea Chávez, in a statement on Facebook. Notably,&nbsp;Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants entering the US.&nbsp;

However, hours later, Mexico's President&nbsp;Andrés Manuel López Obrador&nbsp;called&nbsp;the incident unfortunate and said that the fire was started by&nbsp;migrants who set mattresses ablaze&nbsp;in protest after learning they would be deported, said a report by the Associated Press. He added, "They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune."&nbsp;

Reports suggest that a large number of the victims were&nbsp;Venezuelan migrants. However,&nbsp;a Mexican official, who was not named, told Reuters that among those who died&nbsp;included migrants from Guatemala and Honduras.&nbsp; 
 
A&nbsp;Venezuelan woman standing outside the&nbsp;immigration centre told AFP that her&nbsp;27-year-old husband had been detained there. "He was taken away in an ambulance," the woman named Vinagly told&nbsp;the news agency,&nbsp;adding that&nbsp;her husband had documents allowing him to remain in Mexico. "They (immigration officials) don't tell you anything. A family member can die and they don't tell you he's dead,"&nbsp;said Vinagly.&nbsp; 
 
In a separate statement to Reuters, the&nbsp;Venezuelan national said that her husband&nbsp;was in a holding cell inside the facility when the fire started and survived by dousing himself in water and pressing against a door.&nbsp;

The incident took place in a facility located at Stanton-Lerdo Bridge, which links Mexico and the US. In recent weeks, the Mexican city&nbsp;of Ciudad Juárez has witnessed an influx of people. The fire is also said to be&nbsp;one of the deadliest to hit the country in years.&nbsp;

CCTV footage shows guards walking away

Video from the scene shows guards quickly walking away after the migrants set mattresses on fire.&nbsp;Two people dressed as guards can be seen rushing into the camera frame, and one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards don't make any effort to open the cell doors, the video shows. They can instead be seen running away as billowing clouds of smoke filled the structure within seconds.

Adán Augusto López, Mexico’s interior secretary, confirmed to local journalist Joaquín López Doriga that the video is authentic.&nbsp;Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the migrants started the fire after learning they would be deported. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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At least 39 people were killed after a fire broke out at a migration detention centre near the United States and Mexico border, on early Tuesday (March 28), said the government's National Migration Institute (INM).

At least 39 people were killed after a fire broke out at a migration detention centre near the United States and Mexico border, on early Tuesday (March 28), said the government's National Migration Institute (INM). The incident took place late Monday just before 10:00 pm in Mexico’s northern border city of Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas in a facility run by the INM. The INM "of the Interior Ministry regrets the deaths -- so far -- of 39 foreign migrants, caused by a fire," said the government agency in a statement. It added, 68 adult men from Central and South America were staying at the facility. Some 29 migrants were injured and were taken to four hospitals in the area, said the INM. The national immigration agency also said that it "energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy”, without any further explanations about what those actions might have been. #Comunicado 🗞️| @INAMI_mx lamenta el fallecimiento de 39 personas migrantes extranjeras, derivado de un incendio que se originó poco antes de las 22:00 hrs del lunes en el área de alojamiento de la Estancia Provisional de Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua. https://t.co/NCe0yExH9T pic.twitter.com/vhT9cgXzsq — INM (@INAMI_mx) March 28, 2023 × Meanwhile, Mexico’s prosecutor general has begun an investigation into the incident, said the federal deputy of Ciudad Juarez, Andrea Chávez, in a statement on Facebook. Notably, Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants entering the US. However, hours later, Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador called the incident unfortunate and said that the fire was started by migrants who set mattresses ablaze in protest after learning they would be deported, said a report by the Associated Press. He added, "They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune." Reports suggest that a large number of the victims were Venezuelan migrants. However, a Mexican official, who was not named, told Reuters that among those who died included migrants from Guatemala and Honduras. A Venezuelan woman standing outside the immigration centre told AFP that her 27-year-old husband had been detained there. "He was taken away in an ambulance," the woman named Vinagly told the news agency, adding that her husband had documents allowing him to remain in Mexico. "They (immigration officials) don't tell you anything. A family member can die and they don't tell you he's dead," said Vinagly. In a separate statement to Reuters, the Venezuelan national said that her husband was in a holding cell inside the facility when the fire started and survived by dousing himself in water and pressing against a door. The incident took place in a facility located at Stanton-Lerdo Bridge, which links Mexico and the US. In recent weeks, the Mexican city of Ciudad Juárez has witnessed an influx of people. The fire is also said to be one of the deadliest to hit the country in years. CCTV footage shows guards walking away Video from the scene shows guards quickly walking away after the migrants set mattresses on fire. Two people dressed as guards can be seen rushing into the camera frame, and one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards don't make any effort to open the cell doors, the video shows. They can instead be seen running away as billowing clouds of smoke filled the structure within seconds. Adán Augusto López, Mexico’s interior secretary, confirmed to local journalist Joaquín López Doriga that the video is authentic. Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the migrants started the fire after learning they would be deported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

39 killed in fire at detention centre on US-Mexico border; Prez Obrador says migrants set mattresses ablaze

In what has been termed "political theatre" by some, busloads of migrants were dropped off outside US President Kamala Harris' Washington DC house on Christmas eve, even as temperatures reached sub-zero levels.

As per AFP, the group of almost 85 men, women and children were largely made up of Columbians and Nicaraguans who had crossed into the US near the Eagle pass in Texas.

Watch |&nbsp;Migrants at US-Mexico border brave bitter cold; Title 42 restrictions to stay or go?

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Videos of the lightly dressed migrants getting off of buses amid a winter freeze and temperatures as low as 18 degrees are making the rounds on Twitter. Watch it here:

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It's Christmas Eve and about 50 migrants were dropped off in front of Kamala Harris' residence with the temperature in the teens. Another stunt by Greg Abbott. <a href="https://t.co/wUjkxplYmB">pic.twitter.com/wUjkxplYmB</a>
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/davenewworld_2/status/1606876749236666368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The "stunt" has been credited&nbsp;to Texas governor Greg Abbott who in previous months had in similar fashion sent busloads of migrants to Harris'&nbsp;residence as a message of protest against President Joe Biden's immigration policy which as per Republicans is too permissive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canada-experience-freezing-temperatures-forecast-service-warns-itll-cause-frostbite-in-five-mins-545166">US, Canada experience freezing temperatures, forecast service warns it'll cause frostbite in five mins</a>

Following this, the White House has slammed states for using migrants as "political pawns". Netizens too have slammed Abbott for his "political stunt" calling it cruelty.

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Greg Abbott sends migrants to the middle of DC in 14 degree weather and then quotes the Bible for Christmas? 
 
Greg Abbott is garbage.
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) <a href="https://twitter.com/harryjsisson/status/1607169640828145665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It’s Christmas, and what is Greg Abbott doing - he is sending busses full of migrants to stand in the freezing cold outside the Vice President‘s home. 
Men, women and children used as props in a performative stunt. 
Because in today’s Republican Party, the cruelty is the point.
— Jo 🌻 (@JoJoFromJerz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoJoFromJerz/status/1606973609137815553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Buses of migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' home on Christmas Eve in frigid temps in a cruel stunt by Greg Abbott 
 
The irony of Republicans about to celebrate Christmas - the story of a brown, immigrant family seeking shelter but being turned away. <a href="https://t.co/dh0ta8hzYJ">pic.twitter.com/dh0ta8hzYJ</a>
— @nottherealtraceydelaney (@TraceyDelaney) <a href="https://twitter.com/TraceyDelaney/status/1606897638112169984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-stays-title-42-which-blocks-mexican-migrants-from-entering-the-country-544656">US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country</a>

Several NGOs have stepped up to help the migrants who were unceremoniously dropped outside the VP's&nbsp;residence. Talking to AFP, Emilio, an activist with Casa de Venezuela one of the organisations who are helping the migrants said that people mostly want to go to New York and that they are arranging transportation for them.

The incident has come to light just days after the US Supreme Court placed a temporary stay on the end of "Title 42" a Trump-era measure that has been used to expel hundreds of thousands of migrants in recent years. It is set to expire on December 21.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In what has been termed "political theatre" by some, busloads of migrants were dropped off outside US President Kamala Harris' Washington DC house on Christmas eve, even as temperatures reached sub-zero levels.

In what has been termed "political theatre" by some, busloads of migrants were dropped off outside US President Kamala Harris' Washington DC house on Christmas eve, even as temperatures reached sub-zero levels. As per AFP, the group of almost 85 men, women and children were largely made up of Columbians and Nicaraguans who had crossed into the US near the Eagle pass in Texas. Watch | Migrants at US-Mexico border brave bitter cold; Title 42 restrictions to stay or go? Videos of the lightly dressed migrants getting off of buses amid a winter freeze and temperatures as low as 18 degrees are making the rounds on Twitter. Watch it here: It's Christmas Eve and about 50 migrants were dropped off in front of Kamala Harris' residence with the temperature in the teens. Another stunt by Greg Abbott. pic.twitter.com/wUjkxplYmB — Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) December 25, 2022 × The "stunt" has been credited to Texas governor Greg Abbott who in previous months had in similar fashion sent busloads of migrants to Harris' residence as a message of protest against President Joe Biden's immigration policy which as per Republicans is too permissive. Also read | US, Canada experience freezing temperatures, forecast service warns it'll cause frostbite in five mins Following this, the White House has slammed states for using migrants as "political pawns". Netizens too have slammed Abbott for his "political stunt" calling it cruelty. Greg Abbott sends migrants to the middle of DC in 14 degree weather and then quotes the Bible for Christmas? Greg Abbott is garbage. — Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) December 26, 2022 × It’s Christmas, and what is Greg Abbott doing - he is sending busses full of migrants to stand in the freezing cold outside the Vice President‘s home. Men, women and children used as props in a performative stunt. Because in today’s Republican Party, the cruelty is the point. — Jo 🌻 (@JoJoFromJerz) December 25, 2022 × Buses of migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' home on Christmas Eve in frigid temps in a cruel stunt by Greg Abbott The irony of Republicans about to celebrate Christmas - the story of a brown, immigrant family seeking shelter but being turned away. pic.twitter.com/dh0ta8hzYJ — @nottherealtraceydelaney (@TraceyDelaney) December 25, 2022 × Also read | US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country Several NGOs have stepped up to help the migrants who were unceremoniously dropped outside the VP's residence. Talking to AFP, Emilio, an activist with Casa de Venezuela one of the organisations who are helping the migrants said that people mostly want to go to New York and that they are arranging transportation for them. The incident has come to light just days after the US Supreme Court placed a temporary stay on the end of "Title 42" a Trump-era measure that has been used to expel hundreds of thousands of migrants in recent years. It is set to expire on December 21. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Political 'stunt': 85 migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' house amid -18 degree temperature

The United States on Monday halted the scrapping of a key policy that has been in place since the last days of the Donald Trump administration and blocked the entry of migrants at the country's southwest border.

Chief Justice John Roberts placed an emergency stay on Title 42 amid concerns that its removal will cause an influx of undocumented migrants.

Watch |&nbsp;Scuffle between police and migrants near US-Mexico border, camps inhabited over by 600 Venezuelans

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The decision comes after a Washington appeals court last week ruled that there was no longer any justification for Title 42.

However, a last-minute petition by 20 mostly Republican states including Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Ohio and Virginia argued that ending the policy would create a gush of migrants mostly from Mexico and Latin Americas.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-mexico-reach-an-agreement-on-easing-venezuelan-migration-525219">US, Mexico reach an agreement to ease Venezuelan migration</a>

Citing a prediction by the Department of Homeland Security they said that the number of those seeking asylum could triple to 18,000 every day. The states have asked the court to take on the full case over the law.

The stay will remain in place as a Republican challenge moves forward, and "individuals who attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to be expelled to Mexico."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-border-official-resigns-amid-rise-in-migrant-crossing-across-the-us-mexico-border-533690">US: Top border official resigns amid rise in migrants crossing the US-Mexico border</a>

Conservative lawmakers commended the stay and some even urged that Title 42 be turned into a codified law. The parties have been given 24 hours to respond. This means that Title 42 may end this week as planned or it may remain in place as the Supreme Court reviews the case more broadly.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Monday halted the scrapping of a key policy that has been in place since the last days of the Donald Trump administration and blocked the entry of migrants at the country's southwest border.

The United States on Monday halted the scrapping of a key policy that has been in place since the last days of the Donald Trump administration and blocked the entry of migrants at the country's southwest border. Chief Justice John Roberts placed an emergency stay on Title 42 amid concerns that its removal will cause an influx of undocumented migrants. Watch | Scuffle between police and migrants near US-Mexico border, camps inhabited over by 600 Venezuelans The decision comes after a Washington appeals court last week ruled that there was no longer any justification for Title 42. However, a last-minute petition by 20 mostly Republican states including Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Ohio and Virginia argued that ending the policy would create a gush of migrants mostly from Mexico and Latin Americas. Also read | US, Mexico reach an agreement to ease Venezuelan migration Citing a prediction by the Department of Homeland Security they said that the number of those seeking asylum could triple to 18,000 every day. The states have asked the court to take on the full case over the law. The stay will remain in place as a Republican challenge moves forward, and "individuals who attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to be expelled to Mexico." Also read | US: Top border official resigns amid rise in migrants crossing the US-Mexico border Conservative lawmakers commended the stay and some even urged that Title 42 be turned into a codified law. The parties have been given 24 hours to respond. This means that Title 42 may end this week as planned or it may remain in place as the Supreme Court reviews the case more broadly. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country

US authorities have discovered an unfinished 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel under the US-Mexico border, calling it an unusually sophisticated smuggling route complete with ventilation and a rail system.

The tunnel was found on Tuesday in the desert near San Luis, Arizona by federal agents led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s investigative arm, the agency said in a press release Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-in-latin-america-hit-global-high-318953">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths in Latin America hit global high</a>

Authorities have located hundreds of tunnels over the years under the Southwest border, saying they are used by drug cartels and criminal organizations to smuggle narcotics, people and weapons back and forth between the two countries.

The tunnel found this week measured 3 feet by 4 feet (91 cm by 1.22 meters) and included a “ventilation system, water lines, electrical wiring, rail system, [and] extensive reinforcement,” ICE said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-nabs-el-marro-fuel-theft-king-blamed-for-surge-in-drug-violence-317702">Also read:&nbsp;Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence</a>

Federal agents drilled and used underground cameras to investigate the tunnel after discovering a sinkhole near cross-border fencing in mid-July, ICE said.

Carl Landrum, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official, said the tunnel “appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history, and certainly the most sophisticated I’ve seen in my career.” Landrum started with Border Patrol in 1996, according to the agency’s website.

In January this year, CBP announced federal agents had discovered the longest cross-border smuggling tunnel ever found along the Southwest border, originating in Baja California, Mexico. It measured 4,309 feet (1,300 meters).

President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the border with Mexico to stop illegal crossings and drug trafficking, but critics point to tunnels as one way people can get around such a barrier.

US authorities have discovered an unfinished 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel under the US-Mexico border, calling it an unusually sophisticated smuggling route complete with ventilation and a rail system.

US authorities have discovered an unfinished 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel under the US-Mexico border, calling it an unusually sophisticated smuggling route complete with ventilation and a rail system. The tunnel was found on Tuesday in the desert near San Luis, Arizona by federal agents led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s investigative arm, the agency said in a press release Friday. Also read: Coronavirus deaths in Latin America hit global high Authorities have located hundreds of tunnels over the years under the Southwest border, saying they are used by drug cartels and criminal organizations to smuggle narcotics, people and weapons back and forth between the two countries. The tunnel found this week measured 3 feet by 4 feet (91 cm by 1.22 meters) and included a “ventilation system, water lines, electrical wiring, rail system, [and] extensive reinforcement,” ICE said. Also read: Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence Federal agents drilled and used underground cameras to investigate the tunnel after discovering a sinkhole near cross-border fencing in mid-July, ICE said. Carl Landrum, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official, said the tunnel “appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history, and certainly the most sophisticated I’ve seen in my career.” Landrum started with Border Patrol in 1996, according to the agency’s website. In January this year, CBP announced federal agents had discovered the longest cross-border smuggling tunnel ever found along the Southwest border, originating in Baja California, Mexico. It measured 4,309 feet (1,300 meters). President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the border with Mexico to stop illegal crossings and drug trafficking, but critics point to tunnels as one way people can get around such a barrier.

US officials find 'sophisticated' smuggling tunnel on Mexican border

The issue of immigration is a global political hot potato. In America, President Donald Trump is building a wall to keep Mexicans and Central Americans out.

Europe is troubled by the influx of African migrants. Britain has wrapped up its exit from the European Union. Even there, the free movement of people was perhaps the biggest sticking point.

And here in India, we are in the middle of a national debate on illegal immigrants triggered by a new Citizenship Law.&nbsp;

Talking about the United States, a 30-foot high portion of Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border blew over in high winds yesterday.

In more ways than one, this incident personifies what's wrong with Trump's agreements on immigration, high on rhetoric and low on substance. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;Detention camps: Inhumane, but inevitable 
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While America might have tightened its border checks, Trump has failed to keep the numbers in check. American borders still remain porous in some areas.

In fact, the tougher rules are leading to more deaths at the borders. Last year in August, more than 500 deaths were reported from America and almost half of them were recorded at the US-Mexico border.

Poor execution aside, the argument has merit - illegal immigration is a legitimate concern. Trump rose to power by giving his voice to an issue that most politicians were silent about.

Native Americans were concerned about illegal immigrants, but nobody except Trump was willing to say it.

It's a pitch that India's Prime minister Narendra Modi has been able to successfully replicate. The BJP's pitch to battle illegal migration has found a connect.

But, has the government exaggerated the crisis? The numbers from the census throw up some trends. In America and other major countries of Western Europe, the immigration rate, the share of the immigrant population is around 10-15 per cent.

Reportedly, in India, the immigration rate is less than one per cent. Irrespective of what the numbers suggest, India is expected to escalate its crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Reports say that last year, the Centre asked the states to build at least one detention centre to house illegals. But, as the recent anti-CAA protests have shown, such moves have triggered anxieties.

About a year,&nbsp;the idea of detention centres and pictures from the US- Mexico border triggered major outrage. Prison like facilities, where children were separated from their families.

Detention centres around the world are not much different - Canada, Germany and Australia too have been criticised for keeping detainees in inhumane conditions. Reportedly, the Indian government already has 10 detention centres.

India must tread cautiously on this issue because any step that we&nbsp;take,&nbsp;will face the scrutiny of the world. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

The issue of immigration is a global political hot potato. In America, President Donald Trump is building a wall to keep Mexicans and Central Americans out. Europe is troubled by the influx of African migrants.

The issue of immigration is a global political hot potato. In America, President Donald Trump is building a wall to keep Mexicans and Central Americans out. Europe is troubled by the influx of African migrants. Britain has wrapped up its exit from the European Union. Even there, the free movement of people was perhaps the biggest sticking point. And here in India, we are in the middle of a national debate on illegal immigrants triggered by a new Citizenship Law. Talking about the United States, a 30-foot high portion of Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border blew over in high winds yesterday. In more ways than one, this incident personifies what's wrong with Trump's agreements on immigration, high on rhetoric and low on substance. WATCH: Detention camps: Inhumane, but inevitable × While America might have tightened its border checks, Trump has failed to keep the numbers in check. American borders still remain porous in some areas. In fact, the tougher rules are leading to more deaths at the borders. Last year in August, more than 500 deaths were reported from America and almost half of them were recorded at the US-Mexico border. Poor execution aside, the argument has merit - illegal immigration is a legitimate concern. Trump rose to power by giving his voice to an issue that most politicians were silent about. Native Americans were concerned about illegal immigrants, but nobody except Trump was willing to say it. It's a pitch that India's Prime minister Narendra Modi has been able to successfully replicate. The BJP's pitch to battle illegal migration has found a connect. But, has the government exaggerated the crisis? The numbers from the census throw up some trends. In America and other major countries of Western Europe, the immigration rate, the share of the immigrant population is around 10-15 per cent. Reportedly, in India, the immigration rate is less than one per cent. Irrespective of what the numbers suggest, India is expected to escalate its crackdown on illegal immigrants. Reports say that last year, the Centre asked the states to build at least one detention centre to house illegals. But, as the recent anti-CAA protests have shown, such moves have triggered anxieties. About a year, the idea of detention centres and pictures from the US- Mexico border triggered major outrage. Prison like facilities, where children were separated from their families. Detention centres around the world are not much different - Canada, Germany and Australia too have been criticised for keeping detainees in inhumane conditions. Reportedly, the Indian government already has 10 detention centres. India must tread cautiously on this issue because any step that we take, will face the scrutiny of the world. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Detention of illegal immigrants a political hot potato

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-phase-of-trump-impeachment-hearings-set-for-december-4-264748">Donald Trump</a> said in a radio interview posted online Tuesday that he planned to designate Mexican drug cartels as terror groups.

The move comes after Trump called for a "war" on the drug cartels in early November when nine women and children from an American Mormon community in northern Mexico were killed in a hail of gunfire.

"Are you going to designate those cartels in Mexico as terror groups and start hitting them with drones?" asked Bill O'Reilly, a conservative media personality in an online interview on "The O'Reilly Update."

"I don't want to say what I'm going to do, but they will be designated," Trump answered.

He added: "I will be designating the cartels... absolutely. I have been working on that for the last 90 days.

"Designation is not that easy, you have to go through a process and we are well into that process."

Mexican authorities reacted swiftly, with the foreign ministry saying that it has contacted US officials "to understand the content and the reach" of what the US president had said.

Mexico would also seek a high-level meeting with US officials to hear US concerns and present Mexico's views,&nbsp;which include stemming the flow of weapons bought in the United States and smuggled south of the border, the statement read.

US President Donald Trump said in a radio interview posted online Tuesday that he planned to designate Mexican drug cartels as terror groups. The move comes after Trump called for a "war" on the drug cartels in early November when nine women and children from an American Mormon community in northern Mexico were killed in a hail of gunfire.

US President Donald Trump said in a radio interview posted online Tuesday that he planned to designate Mexican drug cartels as terror groups. The move comes after Trump called for a "war" on the drug cartels in early November when nine women and children from an American Mormon community in northern Mexico were killed in a hail of gunfire. "Are you going to designate those cartels in Mexico as terror groups and start hitting them with drones?" asked Bill O'Reilly, a conservative media personality in an online interview on "The O'Reilly Update." "I don't want to say what I'm going to do, but they will be designated," Trump answered. He added: "I will be designating the cartels... absolutely. I have been working on that for the last 90 days. "Designation is not that easy, you have to go through a process and we are well into that process." Mexican authorities reacted swiftly, with the foreign ministry saying that it has contacted US officials "to understand the content and the reach" of what the US president had said. Mexico would also seek a high-level meeting with US officials to hear US concerns and present Mexico's views, which include stemming the flow of weapons bought in the United States and smuggled south of the border, the statement read.

Will designate Mexican cartels as 'terror groups': Donald Trump

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday thanked his Mexican counterpart for increased immigration enforcement by the country, which he said is leading to fewer migrants entering the United States.

The meeting confirmed a considerably calmer tone in US-Mexican relations than in early June when President Donald Trump had threatened stiff new trade tariffs against the United States' southern neighbour unless it acted forcefully to slow the migrant flow.&nbsp;

Pompeo met Sunday in Mexico City with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on a regional trip that began in Argentina and Ecuador and later took him to El Salvador.

"Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Ebrard for Mexico's increased immigration enforcement efforts," the State Department said.

Speaking in El Salvador, Pompeo said that Mexico has "made real progress" on migration.

"The numbers are good... There are fewer apprehensions taking place today along our southern border, but we've got a long way to go yet -- there's still much more work to do," he told a news conference in San Salvador.

The meeting between Ebrard and Pompeo, while focused primarily on migration, also included talks on recovering the wealth of notorious drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman -- sentenced to life imprisonment in the US -- as well as the status of the not-yet-ratified North American trade agreement, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said.&nbsp;

The Mexican statement said Pompeo had recognised "significant advances" by Mexico on slowing migration since a high-stakes June 7 meeting in Washington held amid a growing migration crisis.

Drug fortune

That accord -- reached under the shadow of Trump's trade threats -- stipulated that failure by Mexico to rein in cross-border migration within 45 days could result in the need to negotiate a tougher arrangement.

But the Mexican statement said that "in light of these advances," Ebrard "does not consider it necessary to initiate" such negotiations.

At the meeting Sunday, Ebrard said Mexico's strategy to "ensure orderly, safe and regular migrant flows will continue for the next 45 days," the statement said.&nbsp;

The Mexican government in June deployed thousands of soldiers and police officers, both near the southern border with Guatemala and the US border in the north, to slow the migrant flow, which has come principally from impoverished and crime-ridden Central American countries.

Official Mexican figures say the number of migrants coming into Mexico from those countries fell from 144,000 in May to 100,000 in June.

Pompeo and Ebrard also discussed the fortune amassed by drug kingpin Guzman.&nbsp;

The US judge who sentenced him to life in prison last week ordered Guzman to forfeit $12.6 billion, but Mexico wants the money to stay in that country.

The two diplomats discussed creating a binational group to study the matter.&nbsp;

Pompeo then travelled to El Salvador and met with President Nayib Bukele.

"We support his plans to stimulate economic growth and reduce illegal migration and believe his vision to build a strong, self-reliant #ElSalvador will lead to a bright future," Pompeo tweeted.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday thanked his Mexican counterpart for increased immigration enforcement by the country, which he said is leading to fewer migrants entering the United States.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday thanked his Mexican counterpart for increased immigration enforcement by the country, which he said is leading to fewer migrants entering the United States. The meeting confirmed a considerably calmer tone in US-Mexican relations than in early June when President Donald Trump had threatened stiff new trade tariffs against the United States' southern neighbour unless it acted forcefully to slow the migrant flow. Pompeo met Sunday in Mexico City with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on a regional trip that began in Argentina and Ecuador and later took him to El Salvador. "Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Ebrard for Mexico's increased immigration enforcement efforts," the State Department said. Speaking in El Salvador, Pompeo said that Mexico has "made real progress" on migration. "The numbers are good... There are fewer apprehensions taking place today along our southern border, but we've got a long way to go yet -- there's still much more work to do," he told a news conference in San Salvador. The meeting between Ebrard and Pompeo, while focused primarily on migration, also included talks on recovering the wealth of notorious drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman -- sentenced to life imprisonment in the US -- as well as the status of the not-yet-ratified North American trade agreement, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said. The Mexican statement said Pompeo had recognised "significant advances" by Mexico on slowing migration since a high-stakes June 7 meeting in Washington held amid a growing migration crisis. Drug fortune That accord -- reached under the shadow of Trump's trade threats -- stipulated that failure by Mexico to rein in cross-border migration within 45 days could result in the need to negotiate a tougher arrangement. But the Mexican statement said that "in light of these advances," Ebrard "does not consider it necessary to initiate" such negotiations. At the meeting Sunday, Ebrard said Mexico's strategy to "ensure orderly, safe and regular migrant flows will continue for the next 45 days," the statement said. The Mexican government in June deployed thousands of soldiers and police officers, both near the southern border with Guatemala and the US border in the north, to slow the migrant flow, which has come principally from impoverished and crime-ridden Central American countries. Official Mexican figures say the number of migrants coming into Mexico from those countries fell from 144,000 in May to 100,000 in June. Pompeo and Ebrard also discussed the fortune amassed by drug kingpin Guzman. The US judge who sentenced him to life in prison last week ordered Guzman to forfeit $12.6 billion, but Mexico wants the money to stay in that country. The two diplomats discussed creating a binational group to study the matter. Pompeo then travelled to El Salvador and met with President Nayib Bukele. "We support his plans to stimulate economic growth and reduce illegal migration and believe his vision to build a strong, self-reliant #ElSalvador will lead to a bright future," Pompeo tweeted.

Pompeo and Mexican counterpart welcome reduced flow of migrants

Trump announces new asylum rules but most migrants not eligible for asylum. To know more watch the video

Donald Trump announces new asylum rules

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-department-of-homeland-security-warns-of-data-threat-from-chinese-made-drones-220524">US Department of Homeland Security</a> requested 1,000 additional soldiers to help manage the migrant crisis in Texas, the Pentagon said Monday, amid growing outcry over conditions in migrant detention facilities.

In a statement, the Pentagon said they had been asked to authorize the Texas National Guard to lend support to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who say they are overwhelmed by the numbers of refugees crossing the southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-15000-soldiers-deployed-on-us-border-mexico-army-chief-230133">US border</a>.

Thousands of active duty and National Guard troops have already been deployed for months along the US-Mexico border to support immigration officials.

"DHS requests authorization for 1,000 Texas National Guard members... to provide supplemental holding and Port of Entry (POE) enforcement support to CBP within the State of Texas," the statement said.

The Guard members will help manage CBP-run holding facilities for single, adult migrants in the towns of Donna, on the eastern end of the border with Mexico, and Tornillo, which is in the middle of the border.

They will also provide support at ports of entry and commercial airports in El Paso and Laredo, to improve border security and traffic flow.

While the Pentagon did not specify when they received the request or if they had made a decision, the statement did note that "Texas Governor (Greg) Abbott has consented to the use of the National Guard to support CBP."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been criticized after a report from its inspector general, a watchdog, last week warned about "dangerous overcrowding" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-how-does-the-situation-on-the-us-mexico-border-compare-with-the-past-225130">migrant detention</a> facilities in Texas.

The report included images taken at several Texas sites, showing dozens of migrants including young children packed shoulder to shoulder into cage-like holding areas or cells.

Most single adults had not had a shower in a month and were being given wet wipes. Some detainees were suffering from constipation after a diet consisting only of bologna sandwiches.

The report came a day after a group of Democratic lawmakers toured the detention centers and denounced the conditions as "horrifying."

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who toured two such centers, told reporters the migrants were being subjected to "abuse."

"They put them in a room with no running water and these women were being told by CBP officers to drink out of the toilet," she said upon returning to New York.

CBP deputy commissioner Robert Perez, appearing on CNN, said the detention centers were "never designed to deal with the volume of migrants coming our way" and the Border Patrol is doing its best to deal with "absolutely over saturated conditions."

According to Border Patrol figures, 223,263 people were detained in the Rio Grande Valley sector between October 2018 and May 2019, up 124 percent from the same period a year earlier.

In April the US Defense Department said it would deploy about 320 additional troops to the southern border, adding to around 2,900 active duty military and 2,000 National Guard members currently posted to the boundary region.

The US Department of Homeland Security requested 1,000 additional soldiers to help manage the migrant crisis in Texas, the Pentagon said Monday, amid growing outcry over conditions in migrant detention facilities.

The US Department of Homeland Security requested 1,000 additional soldiers to help manage the migrant crisis in Texas, the Pentagon said Monday, amid growing outcry over conditions in migrant detention facilities. In a statement, the Pentagon said they had been asked to authorize the Texas National Guard to lend support to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who say they are overwhelmed by the numbers of refugees crossing the southern US border. Thousands of active duty and National Guard troops have already been deployed for months along the US-Mexico border to support immigration officials. "DHS requests authorization for 1,000 Texas National Guard members... to provide supplemental holding and Port of Entry (POE) enforcement support to CBP within the State of Texas," the statement said. The Guard members will help manage CBP-run holding facilities for single, adult migrants in the towns of Donna, on the eastern end of the border with Mexico, and Tornillo, which is in the middle of the border. They will also provide support at ports of entry and commercial airports in El Paso and Laredo, to improve border security and traffic flow. While the Pentagon did not specify when they received the request or if they had made a decision, the statement did note that "Texas Governor (Greg) Abbott has consented to the use of the National Guard to support CBP." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been criticized after a report from its inspector general, a watchdog, last week warned about "dangerous overcrowding" in migrant detention facilities in Texas. The report included images taken at several Texas sites, showing dozens of migrants including young children packed shoulder to shoulder into cage-like holding areas or cells. Most single adults had not had a shower in a month and were being given wet wipes. Some detainees were suffering from constipation after a diet consisting only of bologna sandwiches. The report came a day after a group of Democratic lawmakers toured the detention centers and denounced the conditions as "horrifying." Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who toured two such centers, told reporters the migrants were being subjected to "abuse." "They put them in a room with no running water and these women were being told by CBP officers to drink out of the toilet," she said upon returning to New York. CBP deputy commissioner Robert Perez, appearing on CNN, said the detention centers were "never designed to deal with the volume of migrants coming our way" and the Border Patrol is doing its best to deal with "absolutely over saturated conditions." According to Border Patrol figures, 223,263 people were detained in the Rio Grande Valley sector between October 2018 and May 2019, up 124 percent from the same period a year earlier. In April the US Defense Department said it would deploy about 320 additional troops to the southern border, adding to around 2,900 active duty military and 2,000 National Guard members currently posted to the boundary region.

US department of homeland security requests 1,000 soldiers to manage migrant crisis

Mexico said Monday it will discuss a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-holds-off-trumps-fire-but-seen-vulnerable-to-new-pressure-225987">"safe third country" agreement with the United States </a>-- in which migrants entering Mexican territory must apply for asylum there rather than the US -- if the flow of undocumented immigrants continues.

Amid speculation about the contents of Mexico's deal to curb migration in order to avert President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he had rebuffed the US demand for such a measure, but agreed to revisit the matter in 45 days.

"In the meeting with the vice president of the United States, they were insistent on the safe third country issue," Ebrard told a press conference, three days after reaching a last minute deal to avoid punitive tariffs over the surge of Central American migrants arriving at the US-Mexican border.

"We told them -- I think it was the most important achievement of the negotiations -- 'let's set a time period to see if what Mexico is proposing will work, and if not, we'll sit down and see what additional measures'" are needed, he said.

Ebrard, who led the Mexican negotiating team in marathon talks in Washington, spoke as Trump renewed his tariff threat over a secret provision in the deal.

Trump tweeted that part of the deal would require approval by the Mexican Congress -- he did not give details -- and that "if for any reason the approval is not forthcoming, Tariffs will be reinstated!"

The comment came as he fended off criticism over a New York Times report that said the key terms of the migration deal had in fact been agreed on months ago.

Speaking later on CNBC, Trump said the secret provision was "a very powerful tool."

"I'm going to tell you that most people understand -- that the people having to do with borders and illegal immigration and immigration of any kind -- they understand exactly what that is," he said.

"But we purposely said we wouldn't mention it for a little while ... It has to be brought by their legislative body, it's got to be taken to a vote. So we didn't bring it up, but most people know that answer."

Mexico said Monday it will discuss a "safe third country" agreement with the United States -- in which migrants entering Mexican territory must apply for asylum there rather than the US -- if the flow of undocumented immigrants continues.

Mexico said Monday it will discuss a "safe third country" agreement with the United States -- in which migrants entering Mexican territory must apply for asylum there rather than the US -- if the flow of undocumented immigrants continues. Amid speculation about the contents of Mexico's deal to curb migration in order to avert President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he had rebuffed the US demand for such a measure, but agreed to revisit the matter in 45 days. "In the meeting with the vice president of the United States, they were insistent on the safe third country issue," Ebrard told a press conference, three days after reaching a last minute deal to avoid punitive tariffs over the surge of Central American migrants arriving at the US-Mexican border. "We told them -- I think it was the most important achievement of the negotiations -- 'let's set a time period to see if what Mexico is proposing will work, and if not, we'll sit down and see what additional measures'" are needed, he said. Ebrard, who led the Mexican negotiating team in marathon talks in Washington, spoke as Trump renewed his tariff threat over a secret provision in the deal. Trump tweeted that part of the deal would require approval by the Mexican Congress -- he did not give details -- and that "if for any reason the approval is not forthcoming, Tariffs will be reinstated!" The comment came as he fended off criticism over a New York Times report that said the key terms of the migration deal had in fact been agreed on months ago. Speaking later on CNBC, Trump said the secret provision was "a very powerful tool." "I'm going to tell you that most people understand -- that the people having to do with borders and illegal immigration and immigration of any kind -- they understand exactly what that is," he said. "But we purposely said we wouldn't mention it for a little while ... It has to be brought by their legislative body, it's got to be taken to a vote. So we didn't bring it up, but most people know that answer."

Mexico to discuss 'safe third country' deal with US if migration does not slow

US President Donald Trump touted Saturday his last-minute deal averting tariffs on Mexico, plan economists warned would have been disastrous for both countries, saying the agreement will be a big success if America's southern neighbour cracks down on illegal immigration as promised.

With Trump ready to slap five per cent tariffs on all Mexican goods starting Monday, senior officials announced an agreement Friday night after three days of intense negotiations at the State Department.

Under the deal, Mexico agreed to expand its policy of taking back migrants from violence-riven Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as the United States processes their asylum claims.&nbsp;

Mexico will also use its new National Guard nationwide to crack down on illegal migration, in particular along its southern border with Guatemala, a gateway for poor Central Americans hoping to reach the US.

In turn, Mexico managed to avoid a proposal it had continually rejected -- that it process asylum claims on its own soil before migrants reach the United States.

"Mexico will try very hard, and if they do that, this will be a very successful agreement for both the United States and Mexico!" Trump tweeted early Saturday.

Later, he added: "Everyone very excited about the new deal with Mexico!"

Trump announced the deal on Twitter shortly after returning from a trip to Europe.

For many, it was vintage Trump behaviour: trigger a crisis and let it simmer for a while, then declare it resolved and take credit.

In Mexico, some advocacy groups criticized the deal, saying Mexico would be militarizing its border with Guatemala to detain innocent women and children when the real problem -- grinding poverty and desperation fueling the exodus north -- goes unaddressed.

"I think deploying the National Guard on the border will change nothing. Borders are borders," said Olguita Sanchez, who runs a shelter in southern Chiapas state. "People will keep leaving. This is not going to stop them."

Trump, she insisted, "is pressing Mexico but he should be pressing the governments of Honduras and El Salvador, who do nothing for their people."

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had planned to head Saturday to the border city of Tijuana to show solidarity ahead of the tariffs, said that his trip would now be to celebrate.&nbsp;

Skirting economic blow

Trump, who ran for president pushing a tough line on immigration that included denouncing some undocumented Mexicans as rapists, had vowed to raise tariffs as high as 25 per cent unless Mexico -- which exports $350 billion in goods each year to the United States -- takes further action against migrants.

The tariffs would have clobbered Mexico's economy, which is integrated with the United States and Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement, with experts warning of a recession and the Fitch rating service already downgrading Mexico's credit rating.

Economists also warned the tariffs would hurt US companies that have set up complex supply chains across the borders with Mexico and Canada, leading to higher prices for US consumers for everything from tequila to refrigerators as importers pass along the cost of tariffs.

The tariffs also drew unusually strong opposition from Trump's fellow Republicans, especially lawmakers from farm states who worried about losing their second largest international market.

'Unprecedented steps'&nbsp;

Mexico pledged in a joint statement to take "unprecedented steps to increase enforcement to curb irregular migration," saying the two governments would "work together to immediately implement a durable solution."

Mexico said it would deploy National Guard troops throughout the country, "giving priority to its southern border" with Guatemala. It will also target human smuggling and trafficking groups.

The United States, making official a policy that has triggered opposition in both countries, said it would systematically send back asylum seekers who cross the border, with Mexico offering them jobs, health care and education.

Thousands of asylum seekers have already been sent back, prompting criticism from human rights campaigners that the migrants will lack due process and face a new danger in Mexican border cities such as Ciudad Juarez.

Trump, who has declared a crisis at the border and earlier deployed troops, says that asylum seekers can too easily slip into the population while on US soil.

In the past, most undocumented immigrants were men seeking work, but a majority of recent arrivals are families or unaccompanied children fleeing violence.

The number of migrants detained or blocked at the border surged to 144,000 in May, triple the level a year earlier.

'Arsonist' and fireman

Democrats denounced Trump for taking the United States and Mexico to the brink.

"What we see is yet another example of him trying to be both the arsonist who created this problem... and the firefighter who wants credit for addressing it," said Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, who represented the Texas border city of El Paso in Congress.

US President Donald Trump touted Saturday his last-minute deal averting tariffs on Mexico, plan economists warned would have been disastrous for both countries, saying the agreement will be a big success if America's southern neighbour cracks down on illegal immigration as promised.

US President Donald Trump touted Saturday his last-minute deal averting tariffs on Mexico, plan economists warned would have been disastrous for both countries, saying the agreement will be a big success if America's southern neighbour cracks down on illegal immigration as promised. With Trump ready to slap five per cent tariffs on all Mexican goods starting Monday, senior officials announced an agreement Friday night after three days of intense negotiations at the State Department. Under the deal, Mexico agreed to expand its policy of taking back migrants from violence-riven Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as the United States processes their asylum claims. Mexico will also use its new National Guard nationwide to crack down on illegal migration, in particular along its southern border with Guatemala, a gateway for poor Central Americans hoping to reach the US. In turn, Mexico managed to avoid a proposal it had continually rejected -- that it process asylum claims on its own soil before migrants reach the United States. "Mexico will try very hard, and if they do that, this will be a very successful agreement for both the United States and Mexico!" Trump tweeted early Saturday. Later, he added: "Everyone very excited about the new deal with Mexico!" Trump announced the deal on Twitter shortly after returning from a trip to Europe. For many, it was vintage Trump behaviour: trigger a crisis and let it simmer for a while, then declare it resolved and take credit. In Mexico, some advocacy groups criticized the deal, saying Mexico would be militarizing its border with Guatemala to detain innocent women and children when the real problem -- grinding poverty and desperation fueling the exodus north -- goes unaddressed. "I think deploying the National Guard on the border will change nothing. Borders are borders," said Olguita Sanchez, who runs a shelter in southern Chiapas state. "People will keep leaving. This is not going to stop them." Trump, she insisted, "is pressing Mexico but he should be pressing the governments of Honduras and El Salvador, who do nothing for their people." Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had planned to head Saturday to the border city of Tijuana to show solidarity ahead of the tariffs, said that his trip would now be to celebrate. Skirting economic blow Trump, who ran for president pushing a tough line on immigration that included denouncing some undocumented Mexicans as rapists, had vowed to raise tariffs as high as 25 per cent unless Mexico -- which exports $350 billion in goods each year to the United States -- takes further action against migrants. The tariffs would have clobbered Mexico's economy, which is integrated with the United States and Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement, with experts warning of a recession and the Fitch rating service already downgrading Mexico's credit rating. Economists also warned the tariffs would hurt US companies that have set up complex supply chains across the borders with Mexico and Canada, leading to higher prices for US consumers for everything from tequila to refrigerators as importers pass along the cost of tariffs. The tariffs also drew unusually strong opposition from Trump's fellow Republicans, especially lawmakers from farm states who worried about losing their second largest international market. 'Unprecedented steps' Mexico pledged in a joint statement to take "unprecedented steps to increase enforcement to curb irregular migration," saying the two governments would "work together to immediately implement a durable solution." Mexico said it would deploy National Guard troops throughout the country, "giving priority to its southern border" with Guatemala. It will also target human smuggling and trafficking groups. The United States, making official a policy that has triggered opposition in both countries, said it would systematically send back asylum seekers who cross the border, with Mexico offering them jobs, health care and education. Thousands of asylum seekers have already been sent back, prompting criticism from human rights campaigners that the migrants will lack due process and face a new danger in Mexican border cities such as Ciudad Juarez. Trump, who has declared a crisis at the border and earlier deployed troops, says that asylum seekers can too easily slip into the population while on US soil. In the past, most undocumented immigrants were men seeking work, but a majority of recent arrivals are families or unaccompanied children fleeing violence. The number of migrants detained or blocked at the border surged to 144,000 in May, triple the level a year earlier. 'Arsonist' and fireman Democrats denounced Trump for taking the United States and Mexico to the brink. "What we see is yet another example of him trying to be both the arsonist who created this problem... and the firefighter who wants credit for addressing it," said Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, who represented the Texas border city of El Paso in Congress.

Trump says immigration deal will work if Mexico plays its part

US President Donald Trump took twitter to announce migration deal with Mexico. Watch full video to know more.

Donald Trump calls off tariffs as US and Mexico reach deal on immigration

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-reaches-deal-with-us-on-migration-averting-tariff-war-trump-225346">US-Mexico immigration deal met President Donald Trump's objectives</a> of fixing immigration problems on the southern US border, but Trump will retain the authority to impose tariffs if Mexico fails to live up to it.

The deal averts a 5%<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-promises-unprecedented-steps-to-curb-migration-in-us-deal-joint-statement-225371"> tariff on all Mexican goods</a> that was due to start on Monday, with Mexico agreeing to rapidly expand a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-offers-to-send-national-guard-to-guatemala-to-stem-migration-sources-225134">controversial asylum program</a> and deploy security forces to stem the flow of illegal Central American migrants.

"We now have an agreement that we believe is going to fix the immigration issue. And that was extremely important to the president," Mnuchin told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of a G20 finance meeting in Fukuoka, Japan.

Mnuchin, who said he participated in a call with Trump just before the deal was announced, said the president would retain the right to impose tariffs if Mexico did not keep its commitments.

"Our expectation is that Mexico will do what they've committed to do and our expectation is that we won’t need to put tariffs in place, but obviously if that's not the case, the president retains that authority."

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday that the US-Mexico immigration deal met President Donald Trump's objectives of fixing immigration problems on the southern US border, but Trump will retain the authority to impose tariffs if Mexico fails to live up to it.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday that the US-Mexico immigration deal met President Donald Trump's objectives of fixing immigration problems on the southern US border, but Trump will retain the authority to impose tariffs if Mexico fails to live up to it. The deal averts a 5% tariff on all Mexican goods that was due to start on Monday, with Mexico agreeing to rapidly expand a controversial asylum program and deploy security forces to stem the flow of illegal Central American migrants. "We now have an agreement that we believe is going to fix the immigration issue. And that was extremely important to the president," Mnuchin told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of a G20 finance meeting in Fukuoka, Japan. Mnuchin, who said he participated in a call with Trump just before the deal was announced, said the president would retain the right to impose tariffs if Mexico did not keep its commitments. "Our expectation is that Mexico will do what they've committed to do and our expectation is that we won’t need to put tariffs in place, but obviously if that's not the case, the president retains that authority."

US Treasury's Mnuchin says Mexico immigration deal fixes problems

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

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

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

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

President Donald Trump on Friday announced a deal to lift US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada and Mexico that had created friction between the neighbours and blocked a new North American free trade agreement.

"I'm pleased to announce that we've just reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico and will be selling our product into those countries, without the imposition of tariffs," Trump said at an event in the US capital.

His statement came moments after Canada released the text of the agreement between Ottawa and Washington in which they agreed to eliminate US tariffs on steel and aluminium, and Canada's retaliatory measures, within no more than two days.

Mexico confirmed it had reached a similar agreement with the United States.

"Trump's strategy has worked," US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-delays-decision-on-auto-tariffs-for-up-to-six-months-219505"> crediting the tariffs with reviving US</a> steel and aluminium manufacturers.

The steep US tariffs imposed last year -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium -- became a major stumbling block to ratifying a new North American trade pact negotiated last year by the three countries.

Canada and Mexico initially were exempted from the tariffs Trump enforced using a national security argument, as part of his hardline trade tactics.&nbsp;

Once America's neighbours were included, the levies drew retaliation with tariffs on a host of US products.

Even after the governments agreed to a revised free trade deal -- the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA -- the tariffs remained in place, but officials in Ottawa and Mexico City said they would not sign unless Washington removed the metals duties.

Not making sense

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there was a shared recognition that "these tariffs were harming workers and consumers on both sides of the border" and "didn't make a lot of sense" in the context of a new free trade deal.

"Obviously these continued tariffs on steel and aluminium and our countermeasures represented significant barriers to moving forward with the new NAFTA agreement," he said, referring to the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement.

"Now that we've had a full lift on these tariffs we are going to work with the United States on timing for ratification but we're very optimistic we are going to be able to move forward well in the coming weeks," Trudeau said.

Mexican chief trade negotiator Jesus Seade likewise tweeted that the lifting of tariffs "clears the way towards ratification of USMCA."

Some key members of the US Congress had said they would not agree to vote for the three-country free trade pact unless the Trump's metals tariffs ended.

"Hopefully Congress will approve it quickly," said Trump.

Democratic US Senator Chuck Schumer applauded the decision to remove the metals tariffs but said there are other concerns about the USMCA.

"It is a good thing these tariffs will be lifted, and we should urge our allies to join us in preventing China's predatory practices," Schumer said in a statement.&nbsp;

However, "There are still many other issues that are outstanding before Democrats would support the USMCA."

According to the agreement, Canada and Mexico will withdraw all complaints lodged against the United States at the World Trade Organization.

The two countries also agreed to monitor imports of steel and aluminium to ensure metals that are sold at "dumped prices" -- below the cost of production -- are not purchased in or shipped through Canada and Mexico.

In addition, they agreed to a provision to reimpose steep duties if imports of the metals "surge meaningfully beyond historic volumes of trade over a period of time."

The US Trade Representative's office said the agreement "provides for aggressive monitoring and a mechanism to prevent surges in imports of steel and aluminium."&nbsp;

"This agreement is great news for American farmers that have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico," USTR said.&nbsp;

US tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe remain in place, as does the EU retaliation. Some countries, including South Korea, accepted export quotas to avoid the tariffs.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced a deal to lift US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada and Mexico that had created friction between the neighbours and blocked a new North American free trade agreement.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced a deal to lift US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada and Mexico that had created friction between the neighbours and blocked a new North American free trade agreement. "I'm pleased to announce that we've just reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico and will be selling our product into those countries, without the imposition of tariffs," Trump said at an event in the US capital. His statement came moments after Canada released the text of the agreement between Ottawa and Washington in which they agreed to eliminate US tariffs on steel and aluminium, and Canada's retaliatory measures, within no more than two days. Mexico confirmed it had reached a similar agreement with the United States. "Trump's strategy has worked," US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement, crediting the tariffs with reviving US steel and aluminium manufacturers. The steep US tariffs imposed last year -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium -- became a major stumbling block to ratifying a new North American trade pact negotiated last year by the three countries. Canada and Mexico initially were exempted from the tariffs Trump enforced using a national security argument, as part of his hardline trade tactics. Once America's neighbours were included, the levies drew retaliation with tariffs on a host of US products. Even after the governments agreed to a revised free trade deal -- the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA -- the tariffs remained in place, but officials in Ottawa and Mexico City said they would not sign unless Washington removed the metals duties. Not making sense Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there was a shared recognition that "these tariffs were harming workers and consumers on both sides of the border" and "didn't make a lot of sense" in the context of a new free trade deal. "Obviously these continued tariffs on steel and aluminium and our countermeasures represented significant barriers to moving forward with the new NAFTA agreement," he said, referring to the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. "Now that we've had a full lift on these tariffs we are going to work with the United States on timing for ratification but we're very optimistic we are going to be able to move forward well in the coming weeks," Trudeau said. Mexican chief trade negotiator Jesus Seade likewise tweeted that the lifting of tariffs "clears the way towards ratification of USMCA." Some key members of the US Congress had said they would not agree to vote for the three-country free trade pact unless the Trump's metals tariffs ended. "Hopefully Congress will approve it quickly," said Trump. Democratic US Senator Chuck Schumer applauded the decision to remove the metals tariffs but said there are other concerns about the USMCA. "It is a good thing these tariffs will be lifted, and we should urge our allies to join us in preventing China's predatory practices," Schumer said in a statement. However, "There are still many other issues that are outstanding before Democrats would support the USMCA." According to the agreement, Canada and Mexico will withdraw all complaints lodged against the United States at the World Trade Organization. The two countries also agreed to monitor imports of steel and aluminium to ensure metals that are sold at "dumped prices" -- below the cost of production -- are not purchased in or shipped through Canada and Mexico. In addition, they agreed to a provision to reimpose steep duties if imports of the metals "surge meaningfully beyond historic volumes of trade over a period of time." The US Trade Representative's office said the agreement "provides for aggressive monitoring and a mechanism to prevent surges in imports of steel and aluminium." "This agreement is great news for American farmers that have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico," USTR said. US tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe remain in place, as does the EU retaliation. Some countries, including South Korea, accepted export quotas to avoid the tariffs.

Donald Trump lifts steel, aluminum tariffs on Canada, Mexico

The US defence department announced on Monday it would deploy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-sending-armed-soldiers-to-mexico-border-trump-213252">around 320 additional troops </a>to the southern border with Mexico to support immigration officials.

The troops, set to deploy until the end of September, will add to around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-arrests-member-of-armed-group-stopping-migrants-us-mexico-border-212223">2,900 active duty military</a> and 2,000 National Guard members currently posted to the border.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said the troops would assist with transporting migrants, monitoring the welfare of migrants in custody and providing heating and meals.

The troops are not tasked to perform any law enforcement functions.

"In any situation that requires DoD personnel to be in proximity to migrants, DHS (Department of Homeland Security) law enforcement personnel will be present to conduct all custodial and law enforcement functions," Davis said.

In recent months, thousands of migrants have arrived in Mexico, primarily Central Americans fleeing poverty and violence at home.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has described them as a threat to national security.

He also said last week that the United States would send armed soldiers to the southern border after Mexican soldiers recently "pulled guns" on US troops, escalating his war of words with Mexico on immigration.

The president, who has made immigration the core of his message to his conservative base, said on Twitter that "a very big Caravan of over 20,000 people" is making its way through Mexico toward the United States.

The US defence department announced on Monday it would deploy around 320 additional troops to the southern border with Mexico to support immigration officials. The troops, set to deploy until the end of September, will add to around 2,900 active duty military and 2,000 National Guard members currently posted to the border.

The US defence department announced on Monday it would deploy around 320 additional troops to the southern border with Mexico to support immigration officials. The troops, set to deploy until the end of September, will add to around 2,900 active duty military and 2,000 National Guard members currently posted to the border. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said the troops would assist with transporting migrants, monitoring the welfare of migrants in custody and providing heating and meals. The troops are not tasked to perform any law enforcement functions. "In any situation that requires DoD personnel to be in proximity to migrants, DHS (Department of Homeland Security) law enforcement personnel will be present to conduct all custodial and law enforcement functions," Davis said. In recent months, thousands of migrants have arrived in Mexico, primarily Central Americans fleeing poverty and violence at home. US President Donald Trump has described them as a threat to national security. He also said last week that the United States would send armed soldiers to the southern border after Mexican soldiers recently "pulled guns" on US troops, escalating his war of words with Mexico on immigration. The president, who has made immigration the core of his message to his conservative base, said on Twitter that "a very big Caravan of over 20,000 people" is making its way through Mexico toward the United States.

Will be deploying 320 additional troops along Mexico border: US defence department

Republican US Senator Rand Paul said he would vote in favour of a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-house-will-terminate-the-emergency-declaration-says-us-democrat-nancy-pelosi-199736"> resolution to end President Donald Trump's US-Mexico border emergency declaration</a>, according to a media report, likely giving Democrats the votes to pass the measure in the Senate.

Trump, who has promised to issue his first veto if the Senate approves the resolution, declared an emergency last month in a bid to fund a wall along the border without congressional approval.

While the Senate appears unlikely to muster the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-strikes-down-trumps-border-emergency-199924"> two-thirds majority needed to override a veto</a>, a passage in the Republican-controlled chamber would be an embarrassment for the president, who has failed over more than two years in office to persuade Congress to fund his wall, a central promise of his presidential campaign.

"I can’t vote to give the president the power to spend money that hasn’t been appropriated by Congress," Paul said in a speech on Saturday at Western Kentucky University, according to the Bowling Green Daily News.

"We may want more money for border security, but Congress didn't authorise it. If we take away those checks and balances, it's a dangerous thing," he added.

Paul's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in funding for his "great, great wall" triggered the longest-ever partial US government shutdown in December and January. The government reopened but Trump later declared a national emergency in an effort to obtain funds Congress had approved for other purposes.

Rand became the fourth Republican senator to publicly back the resolution. Assuming all Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them vote in favour of the resolution, it would clear the Senate and end up on the president's desk. Republicans hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats.

An identical version of the measure has already been approved in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.

Democrats argue there is no border emergency and that Trump is overreaching with his declaration given that the Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse strings.

The declaration is already being challenged in the courts.

Trump has warned Senate Republicans not to vote for the resolution, saying that doing so would put them in "great jeopardy" politically with voters.

Republican US Senator Rand Paul said he would vote in favour of a resolution to end President Donald Trump's US-Mexico border emergency declaration, according to a media report, likely giving Democrats the votes to pass the measure in the Senate.

Republican US Senator Rand Paul said he would vote in favour of a resolution to end President Donald Trump's US-Mexico border emergency declaration, according to a media report, likely giving Democrats the votes to pass the measure in the Senate. Trump, who has promised to issue his first veto if the Senate approves the resolution, declared an emergency last month in a bid to fund a wall along the border without congressional approval. While the Senate appears unlikely to muster the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto, a passage in the Republican-controlled chamber would be an embarrassment for the president, who has failed over more than two years in office to persuade Congress to fund his wall, a central promise of his presidential campaign. "I can’t vote to give the president the power to spend money that hasn’t been appropriated by Congress," Paul said in a speech on Saturday at Western Kentucky University, according to the Bowling Green Daily News. "We may want more money for border security, but Congress didn't authorise it. If we take away those checks and balances, it's a dangerous thing," he added. Paul's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in funding for his "great, great wall" triggered the longest-ever partial US government shutdown in December and January. The government reopened but Trump later declared a national emergency in an effort to obtain funds Congress had approved for other purposes. Rand became the fourth Republican senator to publicly back the resolution. Assuming all Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them vote in favour of the resolution, it would clear the Senate and end up on the president's desk. Republicans hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats. An identical version of the measure has already been approved in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. Democrats argue there is no border emergency and that Trump is overreaching with his declaration given that the Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse strings. The declaration is already being challenged in the courts. Trump has warned Senate Republicans not to vote for the resolution, saying that doing so would put them in "great jeopardy" politically with voters.

Republican Senator Rand Paul to vote against Trump's emergency order

President Donald Trump on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-declare-an-emergency-on-us-mexico-border-197666">declared a national emergency</a> in a bid to fund his promised wall at the US-Mexico border without congressional approval, an action Democrats vowed to challenge as a violation of the US&nbsp;Constitution.

The Republican president's move circumventing Congress represented a new approach to a 2016 presidential campaign pledge to halt the flow of immigrants into the country, which Trump maintains spreads crime and drugs.

He was also expected later on Friday to sign a bipartisan government spending bill Congress approved on Thursday that would prevent another partial government shutdown by funding several agencies that otherwise would have closed on Saturday.

Trump made no direct mention in his Rose Garden comments of the funding bill, which represents a legislative defeat for him since it contains no money for his proposed wall - the focus of weeks of conflict between him and Democrats in Congress.

Trump's demand that Congress provide him with $5.7 billion in wall funding as part of legislation to fund the agencies triggered a historic, 35-day December-January government shutdown that damaged the US&nbsp;economy and his opinion poll numbers.

By reorienting his wall-funding quest toward a legally uncertain strategy based on declaring a national emergency, Trump now risks plunging into a lengthy battle with Democrats and dividing his fellow Republicans.

Fifteen Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate introduced legislation on Thursday to prevent the transfer of funds from accounts Trump likely would target to pay for the wall.

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, swiftly responded to Trump's declaration.

"The president's actions clearly violate the Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution," they said in a statement. "The Congress will defend our constitutional authorities in the Congress, in the courts, and in the public, using every remedy available.”

New York state's attorney general, Letitia James, said her office would also challenge Trump in court.

"We won't stand for this abuse of power &amp; will fight back with every legal tool at our disposal," James wrote on Twitter.

The president acknowledged that his order would face a lengthy legal fight. "We'll win in the Supreme Court," Trump predicted.

Legal experts said the Trump administration may prevail.

The National Emergencies Act of 1976 gives the president broad leeway to declare an emergency. The law also includes a mechanism for Congress to oppose such a declaration.

If Congress fails to vote down Trump’s declaration of an emergency, said law professors Jonathan Turley of Georgetown University and William Banks of Syracuse University, courts will be reluctant to substitute their national security judgment for those of Congress and the president.

President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency in a bid to fund his promised wall at the US-Mexico border without congressional approval, an action Democrats vowed to challenge as a violation of the US Constitution.

President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency in a bid to fund his promised wall at the US-Mexico border without congressional approval, an action Democrats vowed to challenge as a violation of the US Constitution. The Republican president's move circumventing Congress represented a new approach to a 2016 presidential campaign pledge to halt the flow of immigrants into the country, which Trump maintains spreads crime and drugs. He was also expected later on Friday to sign a bipartisan government spending bill Congress approved on Thursday that would prevent another partial government shutdown by funding several agencies that otherwise would have closed on Saturday. Trump made no direct mention in his Rose Garden comments of the funding bill, which represents a legislative defeat for him since it contains no money for his proposed wall - the focus of weeks of conflict between him and Democrats in Congress. Trump's demand that Congress provide him with $5.7 billion in wall funding as part of legislation to fund the agencies triggered a historic, 35-day December-January government shutdown that damaged the US economy and his opinion poll numbers. By reorienting his wall-funding quest toward a legally uncertain strategy based on declaring a national emergency, Trump now risks plunging into a lengthy battle with Democrats and dividing his fellow Republicans. Fifteen Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate introduced legislation on Thursday to prevent the transfer of funds from accounts Trump likely would target to pay for the wall. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, swiftly responded to Trump's declaration. "The president's actions clearly violate the Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution," they said in a statement. "The Congress will defend our constitutional authorities in the Congress, in the courts, and in the public, using every remedy available.” New York state's attorney general, Letitia James, said her office would also challenge Trump in court. "We won't stand for this abuse of power & will fight back with every legal tool at our disposal," James wrote on Twitter. The president acknowledged that his order would face a lengthy legal fight. "We'll win in the Supreme Court," Trump predicted. Legal experts said the Trump administration may prevail. The National Emergencies Act of 1976 gives the president broad leeway to declare an emergency. The law also includes a mechanism for Congress to oppose such a declaration. If Congress fails to vote down Trump’s declaration of an emergency, said law professors Jonathan Turley of Georgetown University and William Banks of Syracuse University, courts will be reluctant to substitute their national security judgment for those of Congress and the president.

Trump declares US-Mexico border emergency; Democrats protest

Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died in US&nbsp;custody this week, the US&nbsp;government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death.

Felipe Gomez Alonzo, who died on Monday, and his father, Agustin, 47, came from the western municipality of Nenton in Huehuetenango province, Guatemalan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marta Larra said. The pair trekked to the Mexico-US&nbsp;border, joining thousands of others who have left their remote area.

Gomez, belonged to a family of indigenous Maya, was the second child to die this month in US&nbsp;custody after crossing from Mexico, following the December&nbsp;8 death of Jakelin Caal, a 7-year-old girl also from Guatemala.

"I'm sad and in despair over the death of my son," the boy's 32-year-old mother, Catarina Alonzo, told Reuters by phone from her home in the tiny village of Yalambojoch, speaking through a translator because of her limited Spanish.

The latest fatality prompted sharp criticism from some Democrats, and US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced policy changes on Wednesday aimed at preventing future deaths of children in custody.

All children in Border Patrol custody have been given a "thorough medical screening," and moving forward all children will receive "a more thorough hands on assessment" as soon as possible after being apprehended, whether or not the adult with them asks for one, Nielsen said in a statement.

Gomez's parents, who speak a Maya language called Chuj and little Spanish, have requested an autopsy be done as quickly as possible so their son's body can be repatriated to Guatemala, Larra said. The results are expected in about a week, she added.

The US&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has not released an official cause of death.

Most families in Nenton, a mountainous area near the Mexican border, are of indigenous origin and subsist on corn and beans, as well as money sent back from relatives working in the United States and Mexico, according to a local government report.

Huehuetenango sends the highest number of migrants abroad from Guatemala every year, Larra at the foreign ministry said.

Nielsen said the death of migrant children in US&nbsp;custody is rare, noting that in the fiscal year ending September&nbsp;30, six migrants died under the CBP's auspices, none of whom were children. It had been more than a decade since a child died in CBP custody, she added.

"It is now clear that migrants, particularly children, are increasingly facing medical challenges and harbouring illness caused by their long and dangerous journey," Nielsen said, noting she would travel to the border later this week to observe the medical screenings and conditions at Border Patrol stations.

She placed some blame for the risks faced by migrant children on their families. "Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north," Nielsen said.

Investigation demanded

Gomez and his father were detained on December&nbsp;18 in El Paso, Texas, for illegally entering the country, the agency said.

They were given hot food, snacks, juice and water, and two days later, were transferred to the El Paso Border Patrol Station, CBP said. On Dec. 23, they were moved to the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station in New Mexico.

On the morning of December&nbsp;24, an agent noticed Gomez "was coughing and appeared to have glossy eyes," CBP said, and the father and son were transferred to a nearby hospital.

The boy was found to have a fever and cold and was released with a prescription for an antibiotic and Ibuprofen. That evening, Gomez started vomiting, and his father declined medical help because his son had been feeling better, CBP said.

A few hours later, Gomez again began feeling nauseous and was taken back to the hospital, where he died just before midnight. CBP previously said he had died early on Tuesday.

US&nbsp;House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on Wednesday for the DHS internal watchdog, the Inspector General's office, to investigate Gomez's death.

Other Democrats expressed outrage.

US&nbsp;Representative Raul Ruiz of California said on a conference call that CBP facilities he had visited last week near El Paso were "dehumanizing" and not equipped to handle emergencies in remote areas of the Mexico-US&nbsp;border.

"This is under the care and the responsibility and the custody of the United States government, and they do not meet the most minimal basic standards of humanitarian health," he said. 
&nbsp;

Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died in US custody this week, the US government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death.

Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died in US custody this week, the US government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death. Felipe Gomez Alonzo, who died on Monday, and his father, Agustin, 47, came from the western municipality of Nenton in Huehuetenango province, Guatemalan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marta Larra said. The pair trekked to the Mexico-US border, joining thousands of others who have left their remote area. Gomez, belonged to a family of indigenous Maya, was the second child to die this month in US custody after crossing from Mexico, following the December 8 death of Jakelin Caal, a 7-year-old girl also from Guatemala. "I'm sad and in despair over the death of my son," the boy's 32-year-old mother, Catarina Alonzo, told Reuters by phone from her home in the tiny village of Yalambojoch, speaking through a translator because of her limited Spanish. The latest fatality prompted sharp criticism from some Democrats, and US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced policy changes on Wednesday aimed at preventing future deaths of children in custody. All children in Border Patrol custody have been given a "thorough medical screening," and moving forward all children will receive "a more thorough hands on assessment" as soon as possible after being apprehended, whether or not the adult with them asks for one, Nielsen said in a statement. Gomez's parents, who speak a Maya language called Chuj and little Spanish, have requested an autopsy be done as quickly as possible so their son's body can be repatriated to Guatemala, Larra said. The results are expected in about a week, she added. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has not released an official cause of death. Most families in Nenton, a mountainous area near the Mexican border, are of indigenous origin and subsist on corn and beans, as well as money sent back from relatives working in the United States and Mexico, according to a local government report. Huehuetenango sends the highest number of migrants abroad from Guatemala every year, Larra at the foreign ministry said. Nielsen said the death of migrant children in US custody is rare, noting that in the fiscal year ending September 30, six migrants died under the CBP's auspices, none of whom were children. It had been more than a decade since a child died in CBP custody, she added. "It is now clear that migrants, particularly children, are increasingly facing medical challenges and harbouring illness caused by their long and dangerous journey," Nielsen said, noting she would travel to the border later this week to observe the medical screenings and conditions at Border Patrol stations. She placed some blame for the risks faced by migrant children on their families. "Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north," Nielsen said. Investigation demanded Gomez and his father were detained on December 18 in El Paso, Texas, for illegally entering the country, the agency said. They were given hot food, snacks, juice and water, and two days later, were transferred to the El Paso Border Patrol Station, CBP said. On Dec. 23, they were moved to the Alamogordo Border Patrol Station in New Mexico. On the morning of December 24, an agent noticed Gomez "was coughing and appeared to have glossy eyes," CBP said, and the father and son were transferred to a nearby hospital. The boy was found to have a fever and cold and was released with a prescription for an antibiotic and Ibuprofen. That evening, Gomez started vomiting, and his father declined medical help because his son had been feeling better, CBP said. A few hours later, Gomez again began feeling nauseous and was taken back to the hospital, where he died just before midnight. CBP previously said he had died early on Tuesday. US House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on Wednesday for the DHS internal watchdog, the Inspector General's office, to investigate Gomez's death. Other Democrats expressed outrage. US Representative Raul Ruiz of California said on a conference call that CBP facilities he had visited last week near El Paso were "dehumanizing" and not equipped to handle emergencies in remote areas of the Mexico-US border. "This is under the care and the responsibility and the custody of the United States government, and they do not meet the most minimal basic standards of humanitarian health," he said.

US expands medical checks after Guatemala boy dies; mother 'in despair'

President Trump said today the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-may-go-into-new-year-top-trump-aide-mulvaney-186044">US government won't open</a> till he gets approval for the Mexican border wall.

The US governmental agencies <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-may-affect-800000-federal-employees-185772">have been </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-may-affect-800000-federal-employees-185772">shutdown</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-may-affect-800000-federal-employees-185772"> for the past four days</a> with no breakthrough in sight after Democrats failed to convince the US president to pass a legislation to keep the government working.

"I can't tell you when the government is going to reopen," Trump said while speaking on Christmas Day via video conferencing with US troops serving abroad.

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I am in the Oval Office &amp; just gave out a 115 mile long contract for another large section of the Wall in Texas. We are already building and renovating many miles of Wall, some complete. Democrats must end Shutdown and finish funding. Billions of Dollars, &amp; lives, will be saved!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1077329121745793025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US government has been partially shutdown since Saturday as Democrats have openly sparred with the US president over the Mexican border wall, a key campaign issue for the president which he is determined to fulfil.

"It's Christmas Eve and President Trump is plunging the country into chaos," Schumer and Pelosi said in a joint statement as the shutdown dragged on. Trump, in fact, cancelled plans to go to his Florida resort for Christmas because of the shutdown.

Trump told the troops that he would visit that stretch of the border "at the end of January for the start of construction."

"It's going to be built, hopefully rapidly," he added.&nbsp;"It's going to all work out," the US president said.

Trump has demanded $ 5 billion for the Mexican border wall but the Democrats have signed up for $1.3 billion riling the president who is determined to get the border wall funding.

"I can tell you it's not going to reopen until we have a wall, a fence, whatever they'd like to call it. I'll call it whatever they want, but it's all the same thing. It's a barrier from people pouring into the country, from drugs," the president said, adding,"If you don't have that (the wall), then we're just not opening."&nbsp;

Trump's budget director and White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney had said earlier that the White House had made a counter-offer to Democrats on border security while media reports said vice-president Mike Pence had proposed $2.1 billion in funding in a meeting with Schumer earlier.

However, no breakthrough seems on sight as the government shutdown enters the fifth day on Wednesday.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AWyBLN8u128" width="560"></iframe>

President Trump said today the US government won't open till he gets approval for the Mexican border wall. The US governmental agencies have been shutdown for the past four days with no breakthrough in sight after Democrats failed to convince the US president to pass a legislation to keep the government working.

President Trump said today the US government won't open till he gets approval for the Mexican border wall. The US governmental agencies have been shutdown for the past four days with no breakthrough in sight after Democrats failed to convince the US president to pass a legislation to keep the government working. "I can't tell you when the government is going to reopen," Trump said while speaking on Christmas Day via video conferencing with US troops serving abroad. I am in the Oval Office & just gave out a 115 mile long contract for another large section of the Wall in Texas. We are already building and renovating many miles of Wall, some complete. Democrats must end Shutdown and finish funding. Billions of Dollars, & lives, will be saved! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2018 × The US government has been partially shutdown since Saturday as Democrats have openly sparred with the US president over the Mexican border wall, a key campaign issue for the president which he is determined to fulfil. "It's Christmas Eve and President Trump is plunging the country into chaos," Schumer and Pelosi said in a joint statement as the shutdown dragged on. Trump, in fact, cancelled plans to go to his Florida resort for Christmas because of the shutdown. Trump told the troops that he would visit that stretch of the border "at the end of January for the start of construction." "It's going to be built, hopefully rapidly," he added. "It's going to all work out," the US president said. Trump has demanded $ 5 billion for the Mexican border wall but the Democrats have signed up for $1.3 billion riling the president who is determined to get the border wall funding. "I can tell you it's not going to reopen until we have a wall, a fence, whatever they'd like to call it. I'll call it whatever they want, but it's all the same thing. It's a barrier from people pouring into the country, from drugs," the president said, adding,"If you don't have that (the wall), then we're just not opening." Trump's budget director and White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney had said earlier that the White House had made a counter-offer to Democrats on border security while media reports said vice-president Mike Pence had proposed $2.1 billion in funding in a meeting with Schumer earlier. However, no breakthrough seems on sight as the government shutdown enters the fifth day on Wednesday.

Government will not reopen until we have the Mexican border wall: Trump to US troops

The United States, hoping to stem migration, said Tuesday it was ready to support $4.5 billion in investment in Central America and southern Mexico.

The United States promised to back new Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's push for development in Central America, the primary source of migrants whose unauthorized entry into the United States has become a central focus for President Donald Trump.

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), which offers government-backed favorable financing to US businesses, is prepared to support $2.5 billion in new investment in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras "if commercially viable projects are identified," the State Department said.

OPIC is also looking to mobilize $2 billion more for southern Mexico, the country's poorest region, a statement said.

The State Department said that OPIC already has $2.8 billion worth of projects in the pipeline in Mexico as well as $1 billion since last year in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras -- the so-called "Northern Triangle."

In a parallel announcement in Mexico, Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard told reporters that his government was "committed to promote strong regional growth, better-paying jobs and more opportunities for all our citizens."

Democrats skeptical

The US funding offer, made in a low-key written statement, comes in stark contrast to Trump's years of rallies demanding that Mexico pay for a vast wall on the border.

Trump, railing against unauthorized immigration ahead of last month's election, threatened via Twitter in October to cut off aid to Central America unless they stopped migrants.

Two months later, the US government is teetering on the brink of a shutdown with Trump demanding that Congress provide $5 billion for the wall.

Representative Eliot Engel, a Democrat who next month takes over the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was "skeptical" about the "rhetorical commitment" to Central America in light of the Trump administration's policies, including separating children from parents at the border.

He said that Congress would look carefully at the next budget to "separate fact from fiction" and ensure that the United States is in fact supporting Central America.

In new government funding, the State Department said it would request an additional $180 million for the Northern Triangle in its request to Congress for the 2019 fiscal year.

While backing Trump's wall, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has acknowledged that development is a longer-term solution to migration from the Northern Triangle countries, which are among the world's most violent.

State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the United States expected Central American countries to "hold up their end of the bargain" and work to improve the situation at home.

The United States, hoping to stem migration, said Tuesday it was ready to support $4.5 billion in investment in Central America and southern Mexico. The United States promised to back new Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's push for development in Central America, the primary source of migrants whose unauthorized entry into the United States has become a central focus for President Donald Trump.

The United States, hoping to stem migration, said Tuesday it was ready to support $4.5 billion in investment in Central America and southern Mexico. The United States promised to back new Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's push for development in Central America, the primary source of migrants whose unauthorized entry into the United States has become a central focus for President Donald Trump. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), which offers government-backed favorable financing to US businesses, is prepared to support $2.5 billion in new investment in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras "if commercially viable projects are identified," the State Department said. OPIC is also looking to mobilize $2 billion more for southern Mexico, the country's poorest region, a statement said. The State Department said that OPIC already has $2.8 billion worth of projects in the pipeline in Mexico as well as $1 billion since last year in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras -- the so-called "Northern Triangle." In a parallel announcement in Mexico, Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard told reporters that his government was "committed to promote strong regional growth, better-paying jobs and more opportunities for all our citizens." Democrats skeptical The US funding offer, made in a low-key written statement, comes in stark contrast to Trump's years of rallies demanding that Mexico pay for a vast wall on the border. Trump, railing against unauthorized immigration ahead of last month's election, threatened via Twitter in October to cut off aid to Central America unless they stopped migrants. Two months later, the US government is teetering on the brink of a shutdown with Trump demanding that Congress provide $5 billion for the wall. Representative Eliot Engel, a Democrat who next month takes over the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was "skeptical" about the "rhetorical commitment" to Central America in light of the Trump administration's policies, including separating children from parents at the border. He said that Congress would look carefully at the next budget to "separate fact from fiction" and ensure that the United States is in fact supporting Central America. In new government funding, the State Department said it would request an additional $180 million for the Northern Triangle in its request to Congress for the 2019 fiscal year. While backing Trump's wall, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has acknowledged that development is a longer-term solution to migration from the Northern Triangle countries, which are among the world's most violent. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the United States expected Central American countries to "hold up their end of the bargain" and work to improve the situation at home.

US offers $4.5 billion investment in Central America, Mexico

In a blow to President Trump, A US judge <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-moves-to-curb-migrants-asylum-claims-176298">temporarily blocked an order by the</a> US president that barred asylum for immigrants who enter the country illegally from Mexico.

During the hearing, US District Judge Jon Tigar in San Francisco federal court repeatedly grilled Justice Department attorney on whether President Trump's move was justified.

Last week the Trump administration had sharply limited migrant asylum seekers to enter the US effectively banning all those who entered illegally from the US border from Mexico.

"To say something is true does not make it true," Tigar said during the hearing while questioning the government's lawyer.

Tigar said Congress had stated that immigrants can apply for asylum regardless of how they entered the country. The judge called the latest rules an "extreme departure" from prior practice.

Tigar issued a temporary restraining order against Trump's order.

"Whatever the scope of the President's authority, he may not rewrite the immigration laws to impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden," the judge said while hitting out at the Trump administration.

President Trump has sent over 5,000 troops to the Mexico border in an attempt to stop asylum seekers, a move which was criticised both by Democrats and Rights Groups.

Meanwhile, several hundred central American migrants have been pouring into the &nbsp;Tijuana on the Mexican side of the US border which is being called the "migrant caravan" by the US president who has threatened to use force if they try to forcibly enter the US.

Trump had admonished the "migrant caravan" heading to the US terming it as an "invasion" threatened American national security.

 
Thousands of Central American migrants had begun a journey from Honduras through Mexico toward the United States to seek asylum as many others including Salvadorans.&nbsp;

In a blow to President Trump, A US judge temporarily blocked an order by the US president that barred asylum for immigrants who enter the country illegally from Mexico.

In a blow to President Trump, A US judge temporarily blocked an order by the US president that barred asylum for immigrants who enter the country illegally from Mexico. During the hearing, US District Judge Jon Tigar in San Francisco federal court repeatedly grilled Justice Department attorney on whether President Trump's move was justified. Last week the Trump administration had sharply limited migrant asylum seekers to enter the US effectively banning all those who entered illegally from the US border from Mexico. "To say something is true does not make it true," Tigar said during the hearing while questioning the government's lawyer. Tigar said Congress had stated that immigrants can apply for asylum regardless of how they entered the country. The judge called the latest rules an "extreme departure" from prior practice. Tigar issued a temporary restraining order against Trump's order. "Whatever the scope of the President's authority, he may not rewrite the immigration laws to impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden," the judge said while hitting out at the Trump administration. President Trump has sent over 5,000 troops to the Mexico border in an attempt to stop asylum seekers, a move which was criticised both by Democrats and Rights Groups. Meanwhile, several hundred central American migrants have been pouring into the Tijuana on the Mexican side of the US border which is being called the "migrant caravan" by the US president who has threatened to use force if they try to forcibly enter the US. Trump had admonished the "migrant caravan" heading to the US terming it as an "invasion" threatened American national security. Thousands of Central American migrants had begun a journey from Honduras through Mexico toward the United States to seek asylum as many others including Salvadorans.

US judge temporarily blocks Trump's asylum restrictions

President Donald Trump kept up the pressure on Mexico Wednesday to halt groups of migrants heading to the American border, as the US enters the final stretch of campaigning before key midterm elections.

Trump has sought to put immigration front and center ahead of next week's hotly-contested vote, ordering thousands of troops to the southern border and threatening to end automatic citizenship for US-born children of immigrants.

"The Caravans are made up of some very tough fighters and people. Fought back hard and viciously against Mexico at Northern Border before breaking through. Mexican soldiers hurt, were unable, or unwilling to stop Caravan. Should stop them before they reach our Border, but won't!" Trump tweeted.

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The Caravans are made up of some very tough fighters and people. Fought back hard and viciously against Mexico at Northern Border before breaking through. Mexican soldiers hurt, were unable, or unwilling to stop Caravan. Should stop them before they reach our Border, but won’t!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1057612657665171457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Our military is being mobilized at the Southern Border. Many more troops coming. We will NOT let these Caravans, which are also made up of some very bad thugs and gang members, into the U.S. Our Border is sacred, must come in legally. TURN AROUND!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1057614564639019009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The administration has sent mixed messages over of Mexico's actions, praising it for trying to help while pushing it to do more.

Trump had previously thanked Mexico for deploying anti-riot forces to the country's southern border, and White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Fox News Wednesday that "Mexico has stepped up in an unprecedented way."

The groups of migrants Trump has sought to cast as a threat to the United States are still in southern Mexico, hundreds of miles (kilometers) from the US border.

A first caravan, which has dwindled and now numbers some 4,000 people, according to an aid group called Pueblos sin Fronteras, arrived Tuesday in the town of Juchitan, in Oaxaca, while a smaller group of 2,000 people managed to cross the Suchiate River separating Mexico from Guatemala the day before.

Trump has announced he is sending more than 5,000 soldiers to shore up the US-Mexico border, but they will likely be limited to support activities as they are legally barred from conducting law enforcement operations in the United States.

In another move likely to appeal to his right-wing base ahead of the upcoming vote, Trump has said he plans to scrap by executive order a constitutional guarantee to citizenship for persons born on US soil, with few exceptions.

He has criticized the guarantee, which is enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, for allowing children of illegal immigrants to become citizens.

President Donald Trump kept up the pressure on Mexico Wednesday to halt groups of migrants heading to the American border, as the US enters the final stretch of campaigning before key midterm elections.

President Donald Trump kept up the pressure on Mexico Wednesday to halt groups of migrants heading to the American border, as the US enters the final stretch of campaigning before key midterm elections. Trump has sought to put immigration front and center ahead of next week's hotly-contested vote, ordering thousands of troops to the southern border and threatening to end automatic citizenship for US-born children of immigrants. "The Caravans are made up of some very tough fighters and people. Fought back hard and viciously against Mexico at Northern Border before breaking through. Mexican soldiers hurt, were unable, or unwilling to stop Caravan. Should stop them before they reach our Border, but won't!" Trump tweeted. The Caravans are made up of some very tough fighters and people. Fought back hard and viciously against Mexico at Northern Border before breaking through. Mexican soldiers hurt, were unable, or unwilling to stop Caravan. Should stop them before they reach our Border, but won’t! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2018 × Our military is being mobilized at the Southern Border. Many more troops coming. We will NOT let these Caravans, which are also made up of some very bad thugs and gang members, into the U.S. Our Border is sacred, must come in legally. TURN AROUND! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2018 × The administration has sent mixed messages over of Mexico's actions, praising it for trying to help while pushing it to do more. Trump had previously thanked Mexico for deploying anti-riot forces to the country's southern border, and White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Fox News Wednesday that "Mexico has stepped up in an unprecedented way." The groups of migrants Trump has sought to cast as a threat to the United States are still in southern Mexico, hundreds of miles (kilometers) from the US border. A first caravan, which has dwindled and now numbers some 4,000 people, according to an aid group called Pueblos sin Fronteras, arrived Tuesday in the town of Juchitan, in Oaxaca, while a smaller group of 2,000 people managed to cross the Suchiate River separating Mexico from Guatemala the day before. Trump has announced he is sending more than 5,000 soldiers to shore up the US-Mexico border, but they will likely be limited to support activities as they are legally barred from conducting law enforcement operations in the United States. In another move likely to appeal to his right-wing base ahead of the upcoming vote, Trump has said he plans to scrap by executive order a constitutional guarantee to citizenship for persons born on US soil, with few exceptions. He has criticized the guarantee, which is enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, for allowing children of illegal immigrants to become citizens.

Trump pressures Mexico to stop migrant caravans

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

President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to "CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER" if Mexico does not act against a migrant caravan travelling towards the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;

The migrants are trying to reach the US border from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.&nbsp;

"I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught - and if unable to do so I will call up the US&nbsp;Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

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....In addition to stopping all payments to these countries, which seem to have almost no control over their population, I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught - and if unable to do so I will call up the U.S. Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1052885781675687936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Donald Trump also said that&nbsp;"The assault on our country at our Southern Border, including the Criminal elements and DRUGS pouring in, is far more important to me, as President, than Trade or the USMCA."

"Hopefully Mexico will stop this onslaught at their Northern Border. All Democrats fault for weak laws!"

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....The assault on our country at our Southern Border, including the Criminal elements and DRUGS pouring in, is far more important to me, as President, than Trade or the USMCA. Hopefully Mexico will stop this onslaught at their Northern Border. All Democrats fault for weak laws!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1052888451199262725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trump threatened to withhold regional aid as a caravan with several thousand Honduran migrants journeyed this week through Guatemala to Mexico in hopes of crossing the US-Mexico border and escaping endemic violence and poverty in Central America.

The president also dispatched US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in Mexico City on Friday to discuss regional issues.&nbsp;

Trump, who has made curtailing immigration and building a border wall on the Mexican border a key platform, has previously threatened to shut off aid and dispatch troops there.

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President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to "CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER" if Mexico does not act against a migrant caravan travelling towards the US-Mexico border.

President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to "CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER" if Mexico does not act against a migrant caravan travelling towards the US-Mexico border. The migrants are trying to reach the US border from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. "I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught - and if unable to do so I will call up the US Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!" Trump wrote on Twitter. ....In addition to stopping all payments to these countries, which seem to have almost no control over their population, I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught - and if unable to do so I will call up the U.S. Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2018 × Donald Trump also said that "The assault on our country at our Southern Border, including the Criminal elements and DRUGS pouring in, is far more important to me, as President, than Trade or the USMCA." "Hopefully Mexico will stop this onslaught at their Northern Border. All Democrats fault for weak laws!" ....The assault on our country at our Southern Border, including the Criminal elements and DRUGS pouring in, is far more important to me, as President, than Trade or the USMCA. Hopefully Mexico will stop this onslaught at their Northern Border. All Democrats fault for weak laws! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2018 × Trump threatened to withhold regional aid as a caravan with several thousand Honduran migrants journeyed this week through Guatemala to Mexico in hopes of crossing the US-Mexico border and escaping endemic violence and poverty in Central America. The president also dispatched US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in Mexico City on Friday to discuss regional issues. Trump, who has made curtailing immigration and building a border wall on the Mexican border a key platform, has previously threatened to shut off aid and dispatch troops there.

Trump threatens to 'CLOSE BORDER' if Mexico does not stop migrant caravan

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