As the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/standoff-over-trump-wall-leaves-us-govt-5-days-away-from-shutdown-184833">government shutdown threat looms</a>, the United States President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-renews-border-wall-demands-us-government-shutdown-looms-179860">Donald Trump</a> made another bid of persuasion on Twitter on Wednesday&nbsp;for his "big wall" as he argued that the wall on southern US-Mexico border will be a "beautiful", cost-effective structure which will be an "artistically designed steel slats".

"The Democrats, are saying loud and clear that they do not want to build a Concrete Wall - but we are not building a Concrete Wall, we are building artistically designed steel slats so that you can easily see through it" Trump's tweet read.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The Democrats, are saying loud and clear that they do not want to build a Concrete Wall - but we are not building a Concrete Wall, we are building artistically designed steel slats, so that you can easily see through it....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075197395892404231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He then continued in another tweet with an admiration tone that "it will be beautiful".

"It will be beautiful and, at the same time, give our Country the security that our citizens deserve. It will go up fast and save us BILLIONS of dollars a month once completed!" Trump said on Twitter.'

Trump is demanding $5 billion as a down payment on construction of a huge wall along the US-Mexico border that he argues is the only way to keep illegal immigrants and drugs from crossing into the United States. Democrats and some Republicans argue there are less costly, more effective border controls.

Earlier this week, Trump threatened a partial government shutdown after Democrats did not agree to more than $1.3 billion in border security. He gave lawmakers five days to reach a deal by Friday or there will be a partial shutdown.

In 2016, during the presidential campaign, Trump had promised voters of big "concrete" wall. However lately he has been saying that the wall would be transparent. The structure, opposed by Democrats on the basis of policy and principles, Trump's demand has been a cornerstone of the president's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

 
&nbsp;

As the government shutdown threat looms, the United States President Donald Trump made another bid of persuasion on Twitter on Wednesday for his "big wall" as he argued that the wall on southern US-Mexico border will be a "beautiful", cost-effective structure which will be an "artistically designed steel slats".

As the government shutdown threat looms, the United States President Donald Trump made another bid of persuasion on Twitter on Wednesday for his "big wall" as he argued that the wall on southern US-Mexico border will be a "beautiful", cost-effective structure which will be an "artistically designed steel slats". "The Democrats, are saying loud and clear that they do not want to build a Concrete Wall - but we are not building a Concrete Wall, we are building artistically designed steel slats so that you can easily see through it" Trump's tweet read. The Democrats, are saying loud and clear that they do not want to build a Concrete Wall - but we are not building a Concrete Wall, we are building artistically designed steel slats, so that you can easily see through it.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018 × He then continued in another tweet with an admiration tone that "it will be beautiful". "It will be beautiful and, at the same time, give our Country the security that our citizens deserve. It will go up fast and save us BILLIONS of dollars a month once completed!" Trump said on Twitter.' Trump is demanding $5 billion as a down payment on construction of a huge wall along the US-Mexico border that he argues is the only way to keep illegal immigrants and drugs from crossing into the United States. Democrats and some Republicans argue there are less costly, more effective border controls. Earlier this week, Trump threatened a partial government shutdown after Democrats did not agree to more than $1.3 billion in border security. He gave lawmakers five days to reach a deal by Friday or there will be a partial shutdown. In 2016, during the presidential campaign, Trump had promised voters of big "concrete" wall. However lately he has been saying that the wall would be transparent. The structure, opposed by Democrats on the basis of policy and principles, Trump's demand has been a cornerstone of the president's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

Mexico wall will be 'beautiful' and 'artistically designed', tweets Trump

The death of a seven-year-old Guatemalan girl last week in the custody of US border agents sparked furore Friday and raised new pressure on the Trump administration's efforts to halt the migration of Central American families.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the December 8 death of the girl, saying she died in an El Paso, Texas hospital less than 24 hours after being detained as part of a group of 163 illegal border crossers in a remote New Mexico border area.

A Guatemalan official identified her as Jackeline Caal, who was travelling with her father Nery Caal, 29.

White House deputy spokesman Hogan Gidley called Caal's death "a horrific, tragic situation," but also said it was avoidable.

"It's a needless death and it's 100 per cent preventable," he told reporters.

"If we could just come together and pass some common-sense laws to disincentivize people from coming up from the border and encourage them to do it the right way, the legal way, then those types of deaths, those types of assaults, those types of rapes, the child smuggling, the human trafficking that would all come to an end."

But Democrats in Congress assailed the administration's get-tough policies on immigrants attempting to cross the border illegally.

"This could be my daughter or yours, let that sink in America," said newly elected Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, herself a refugee from Somalia.

Senator Kamala Harris condemned the "tragic" death.

"We need a thorough account of what happened before this 7-year-old girl died of dehydration and exhaustion in CBP custody," she tweeted.

Flood of migrants

The child's death came as President Donald Trump struggles to deter a tide of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America -- and battles with Congress for a budget to build a massive wall across much of the US-Mexico Frontier.

Migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador have been heading northward by the tens of thousands for the past three years, with an increasing number of families with small children and unaccompanied children making the trek and hoping to gain asylum inside the United States.

Those that get across face arrest. Children are separated from their families and, along with unaccompanied children who enter the country illegally, are sent off to a web of special camps where they are held until a family member or sponsor already residing in the United States agrees to take care of them.

The sheer volume of undocumented immigrants -- which topped 520,000 in fiscal 2018 -- has pushed the number of children in the camps to nearly 15,000 currently.

Officials say on average it takes 60 days to resettle them.

Remote border crossing

Officials said the girl's father had reported she had no problems when four agents detained the huge migrant group overnight December 6-7 at the remote Antelope Wells, New Mexico border crossing, which was closed at the time.

Hours later, while they were being transported by Border Patrol bus, he told officials she was not breathing.

When medical personnel examined her, she showed an extremely high fever of 105.7 degrees Fahrenheit (41 Celsius). The girl was flown by helicopter to a hospital in El Paso but died after several hours.

"Border Patrol agents took every possible step to save the child's life under the most trying of circumstances. As fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, we empathize with the loss of any child," said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Border Patrol.

In a statement, DHS called her death "incredibly tragic," but noted many illegal immigrants die in the rugged desert and mountain terrain along the border.

"Each year, the Border Patrol identifies hundreds of people who either die attempting to illegally enter the United States, are injured in the attempt or have to be rescued by Border Patrol. &nbsp;This past year alone Border Patrol rescued 4,311 people in distress," DHS said.

At the same time, the department's inspector general announced an internal investigation into the girl's death.

A border patrol official said the incident highlighted the increasing number of large groups, up to 300, that have been seen crossing the porous border at times.

The girl's death came nearly three weeks ago after the Border Patrol backed up by the US military shut down the busy border crossing between Tijuana, Mexico and San Ysidro, California, to fend off several thousand Central Americans seeking to cross into the United States.

"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," Trump tweeted as they approached the border.

The death of a seven-year-old Guatemalan girl last week in the custody of US border agents sparked furore Friday and raised new pressure on the Trump administration's efforts to halt the migration of Central American families.

The death of a seven-year-old Guatemalan girl last week in the custody of US border agents sparked furore Friday and raised new pressure on the Trump administration's efforts to halt the migration of Central American families. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the December 8 death of the girl, saying she died in an El Paso, Texas hospital less than 24 hours after being detained as part of a group of 163 illegal border crossers in a remote New Mexico border area. A Guatemalan official identified her as Jackeline Caal, who was travelling with her father Nery Caal, 29. White House deputy spokesman Hogan Gidley called Caal's death "a horrific, tragic situation," but also said it was avoidable. "It's a needless death and it's 100 per cent preventable," he told reporters. "If we could just come together and pass some common-sense laws to disincentivize people from coming up from the border and encourage them to do it the right way, the legal way, then those types of deaths, those types of assaults, those types of rapes, the child smuggling, the human trafficking that would all come to an end." But Democrats in Congress assailed the administration's get-tough policies on immigrants attempting to cross the border illegally. "This could be my daughter or yours, let that sink in America," said newly elected Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, herself a refugee from Somalia. Senator Kamala Harris condemned the "tragic" death. "We need a thorough account of what happened before this 7-year-old girl died of dehydration and exhaustion in CBP custody," she tweeted. Flood of migrants The child's death came as President Donald Trump struggles to deter a tide of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America -- and battles with Congress for a budget to build a massive wall across much of the US-Mexico Frontier. Migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador have been heading northward by the tens of thousands for the past three years, with an increasing number of families with small children and unaccompanied children making the trek and hoping to gain asylum inside the United States. Those that get across face arrest. Children are separated from their families and, along with unaccompanied children who enter the country illegally, are sent off to a web of special camps where they are held until a family member or sponsor already residing in the United States agrees to take care of them. The sheer volume of undocumented immigrants -- which topped 520,000 in fiscal 2018 -- has pushed the number of children in the camps to nearly 15,000 currently. Officials say on average it takes 60 days to resettle them. Remote border crossing Officials said the girl's father had reported she had no problems when four agents detained the huge migrant group overnight December 6-7 at the remote Antelope Wells, New Mexico border crossing, which was closed at the time. Hours later, while they were being transported by Border Patrol bus, he told officials she was not breathing. When medical personnel examined her, she showed an extremely high fever of 105.7 degrees Fahrenheit (41 Celsius). The girl was flown by helicopter to a hospital in El Paso but died after several hours. "Border Patrol agents took every possible step to save the child's life under the most trying of circumstances. As fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, we empathize with the loss of any child," said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Border Patrol. In a statement, DHS called her death "incredibly tragic," but noted many illegal immigrants die in the rugged desert and mountain terrain along the border. "Each year, the Border Patrol identifies hundreds of people who either die attempting to illegally enter the United States, are injured in the attempt or have to be rescued by Border Patrol. This past year alone Border Patrol rescued 4,311 people in distress," DHS said. At the same time, the department's inspector general announced an internal investigation into the girl's death. A border patrol official said the incident highlighted the increasing number of large groups, up to 300, that have been seen crossing the porous border at times. The girl's death came nearly three weeks ago after the Border Patrol backed up by the US military shut down the busy border crossing between Tijuana, Mexico and San Ysidro, California, to fend off several thousand Central Americans seeking to cross into the United States. "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," Trump tweeted as they approached the border.

Death of seven-year-old migrant girl in US custody sparks furor

A dozen Central American migrants were seen jumping over the border fence in Tijuana on Monday as the Border Patrol looked on from a distance.

The migrants crossed illegally into the US as sirens were heard and a helicopter circled overhead.

It is unclear what happened to the migrants once they crossed.

At least 6,000 migrants have descended upon the Mexican border city of Tijuana, just south of San Diego on the US side.

Most joined the caravan to find better job prospects in the United States.

A dozen Central American migrants were seen jumping over the border fence in Tijuana on Monday as the Border Patrol looked on from a distance. The migrants crossed illegally into the US as sirens were heard and a helicopter circled overhead.

A dozen Central American migrants were seen jumping over the border fence in Tijuana on Monday as the Border Patrol looked on from a distance. The migrants crossed illegally into the US as sirens were heard and a helicopter circled overhead. It is unclear what happened to the migrants once they crossed. At least 6,000 migrants have descended upon the Mexican border city of Tijuana, just south of San Diego on the US side. Most joined the caravan to find better job prospects in the United States.

Watch: Migrants jump US-Mexico border fence at night

Mexico's foreign ministry presented a diplomatic note to the US&nbsp;government on Monday calling for "a full investigation" into what it described as non-lethal weapons directed toward Mexican territory on Sunday, a statement from the ministry said.

The formal request came a day after US&nbsp;authorities fired tear gas canisters toward migrants in Mexico - near the border crossing separating Tijuana from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States.

More than 40 were arrested on the US&nbsp;side, US&nbsp;border authorities said, adding that none were believed to have successfully crossed further into Californian territory.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump told reporters at an event in Mississippi that he would close the border if migrants "charge" the barrier. During the melee on Sunday, US&nbsp;authorities shut San Ysidro, the country's busiest border crossing, for several hours.

"We would close it and we'll keep it closed if we're going to have a problem. We’ll keep it closed for a long period of time," Trump said.

Sunday's incident was the latest chapter in a saga that has pitted Trump's hardline immigration policies against thousands of migrants who have made their way north through Mexico from violent and impoverished Central American countries.

Tensions had been growing in Tijuana, and Trump said on Saturday the migrants would have to wait in Mexico until their individual asylum claims were resolved in the United States. That would be a significant shift in asylum policy that could keep Central Americans in Mexico for more than a year.

Trump went further on Monday, saying Mexico should send the Central Americans, mostly Hondurans, back home.

"Mexico should move the flag-waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the US&nbsp;We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!" Trump tweeted.

Mexico has been in negotiations with the United States over a possible scheme to keep migrants in Mexico while their asylum claims are processed.

The team of Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who takes office on Saturday, has said no deal has been agreed on the migrants. But officials have hinted they could remain.

"We should be objective, whatever happens they will stay in Mexico," said Alejandro Encinas, an incoming deputy interior minister. "Migrants have rights and we will respect them."

Criticism

US&nbsp;government agencies defended the response to Sunday's incident at the San Ysidro crossing south of San Diego, California. News pictures showing children fleeing tear gas prompted sharp criticism from some lawmakers and charities.

British aid group Oxfam said the use of tear gas was shameful.

"Images of barefoot children choking on tear gas thrown by US&nbsp;Customs and Border Patrol should shock us to our core," Vicki Gass, Oxfam America Senior Policy Advisor for Central America, said in a statement.

Democrats and other critics called the use of tear gas an overreaction, and questioned the idea of keeping the migrants in Mexico to make asylum claims there.

Some rights advocates and legal experts were concerned that the Trump administration was seeking to exploit the clashes.

Geoffrey Hoffman, a professor and director of the University of Houston Law Center Immigration Clinic, which represents migrants applying for asylum, said the government would use it to push the argument that the migrants should remain in Mexico.

Still, Rodney Scott, chief US&nbsp;Border Patrol agent in San Diego, told CNN the vast majority of those assembled at the border were economic migrants who would not qualify for asylum, and said there were few women and children.

"What I saw on the border yesterday was not people walking up to Border Patrol agents and asking to claim asylum," he said.

US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement that the agency has "confirmed that there are over 600 convicted criminals traveling with the caravan."

She also said the women and children in the caravan were being used as "human shields" by organizers when they confront law enforcement.

CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said in a statement four agents were hit with rocks on Sunday, but they did not suffer serious injuries.

Waiting game

Tijuana police chief Mario Martinez told a news conference on Monday that 194 Central Americans had been arrested in the 15 days the caravan has been in the area.

The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups, or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US&nbsp;border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border.

Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum, who has said his city is facing a humanitarian crisis, told a local radio station the United States would take up to three months to start processing asylum requests.

Many of those in Tijuana have said they will wait there until they can seek asylum. If they enter the United States, legally or illegally, they have a right to seek asylum.

Melkin Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Honduran man, recounting Sunday's tear gas firing, said: "I fell in dirty water when I was running (away) and I still don't have any clothes to change into. Even so, I'm not going back to Honduras, I want to go to the United States."

The US&nbsp;military said it had shifted about 300 service members from Texas and Arizona to California in recent days. In total, about 5,600 active-duty troops are on the border with Mexico.

US&nbsp;military officials have said they expected troops to be repositioned as the situation developed and changed.

Nielsen said her agency was prepared to address any future violence by deploying more US&nbsp;military forces.

US&nbsp;lawmakers face a deadline to approve funding for the federal government by December 7. Trump has threatened to shut down the government unless Congress pays for his planned border wall.

Mexico's foreign ministry presented a diplomatic note to the US government on Monday calling for "a full investigation" into what it described as non-lethal weapons directed toward Mexican territory on Sunday, a statement from the ministry said.

Mexico's foreign ministry presented a diplomatic note to the US government on Monday calling for "a full investigation" into what it described as non-lethal weapons directed toward Mexican territory on Sunday, a statement from the ministry said. The formal request came a day after US authorities fired tear gas canisters toward migrants in Mexico - near the border crossing separating Tijuana from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States. More than 40 were arrested on the US side, US border authorities said, adding that none were believed to have successfully crossed further into Californian territory. US President Donald Trump told reporters at an event in Mississippi that he would close the border if migrants "charge" the barrier. During the melee on Sunday, US authorities shut San Ysidro, the country's busiest border crossing, for several hours. "We would close it and we'll keep it closed if we're going to have a problem. We’ll keep it closed for a long period of time," Trump said. Sunday's incident was the latest chapter in a saga that has pitted Trump's hardline immigration policies against thousands of migrants who have made their way north through Mexico from violent and impoverished Central American countries. Tensions had been growing in Tijuana, and Trump said on Saturday the migrants would have to wait in Mexico until their individual asylum claims were resolved in the United States. That would be a significant shift in asylum policy that could keep Central Americans in Mexico for more than a year. Trump went further on Monday, saying Mexico should send the Central Americans, mostly Hondurans, back home. "Mexico should move the flag-waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the US We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!" Trump tweeted. Mexico has been in negotiations with the United States over a possible scheme to keep migrants in Mexico while their asylum claims are processed. The team of Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who takes office on Saturday, has said no deal has been agreed on the migrants. But officials have hinted they could remain. "We should be objective, whatever happens they will stay in Mexico," said Alejandro Encinas, an incoming deputy interior minister. "Migrants have rights and we will respect them." Criticism US government agencies defended the response to Sunday's incident at the San Ysidro crossing south of San Diego, California. News pictures showing children fleeing tear gas prompted sharp criticism from some lawmakers and charities. British aid group Oxfam said the use of tear gas was shameful. "Images of barefoot children choking on tear gas thrown by US Customs and Border Patrol should shock us to our core," Vicki Gass, Oxfam America Senior Policy Advisor for Central America, said in a statement. Democrats and other critics called the use of tear gas an overreaction, and questioned the idea of keeping the migrants in Mexico to make asylum claims there. Some rights advocates and legal experts were concerned that the Trump administration was seeking to exploit the clashes. Geoffrey Hoffman, a professor and director of the University of Houston Law Center Immigration Clinic, which represents migrants applying for asylum, said the government would use it to push the argument that the migrants should remain in Mexico. Still, Rodney Scott, chief US Border Patrol agent in San Diego, told CNN the vast majority of those assembled at the border were economic migrants who would not qualify for asylum, and said there were few women and children. "What I saw on the border yesterday was not people walking up to Border Patrol agents and asking to claim asylum," he said. US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement that the agency has "confirmed that there are over 600 convicted criminals traveling with the caravan." She also said the women and children in the caravan were being used as "human shields" by organizers when they confront law enforcement. CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said in a statement four agents were hit with rocks on Sunday, but they did not suffer serious injuries. Waiting game Tijuana police chief Mario Martinez told a news conference on Monday that 194 Central Americans had been arrested in the 15 days the caravan has been in the area. The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups, or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border. Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum, who has said his city is facing a humanitarian crisis, told a local radio station the United States would take up to three months to start processing asylum requests. Many of those in Tijuana have said they will wait there until they can seek asylum. If they enter the United States, legally or illegally, they have a right to seek asylum. Melkin Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Honduran man, recounting Sunday's tear gas firing, said: "I fell in dirty water when I was running (away) and I still don't have any clothes to change into. Even so, I'm not going back to Honduras, I want to go to the United States." The US military said it had shifted about 300 service members from Texas and Arizona to California in recent days. In total, about 5,600 active-duty troops are on the border with Mexico. US military officials have said they expected troops to be repositioned as the situation developed and changed. Nielsen said her agency was prepared to address any future violence by deploying more US military forces. US lawmakers face a deadline to approve funding for the federal government by December 7. Trump has threatened to shut down the government unless Congress pays for his planned border wall.

Mexico calls for 'full investigation' of US tear gas at border

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border.

"They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi.

"The tear gas is a very minor form of the tear gas itself. It's very safe," he later added.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-deports-scores-of-central-american-migrants-that-stormed-us-border-179645">Mexico deports scores of Central American migrants who stormed US border</a>

Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that some people at the border are "grabbers" who are using&nbsp;unrelated children as a shield to make it safer for themselves and increase their chances of getting into the US.

"They grab a child because they think they'll have a certain status by having a child. You know, you have certain advantages in terms of our crazy laws that frankly Congress should be changing," he said.

US authorities on Monday fired tear gas canister toward migrants in Mexico near the border crossing separating Tijuana city from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States.

According to report, as migrants were trying to enter the US, several hundred made it over the first barrier but when they neared the second fence, US border agents fired tear gas and rubber bullets at them as helicopters buzzed overhead.

People covered their faces to protect themselves from the acid gas, as mothers clutched their young children and fled back to Mexico for safety.

The incident was the most serious flashpoint in a weeks-long crisis that US President Donald Trump used to drum up support in this month's midterm elections.

The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US&nbsp;border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border.

Trump has deployed nearly 6,000 troops to the border, on top of more than 2,000 members of the National Guard.

To enter the US legally, migrants must apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year.

(With inputs from news agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border. "They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi.

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border. "They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi. "The tear gas is a very minor form of the tear gas itself. It's very safe," he later added. Also read: Mexico deports scores of Central American migrants who stormed US border Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that some people at the border are "grabbers" who are using unrelated children as a shield to make it safer for themselves and increase their chances of getting into the US. "They grab a child because they think they'll have a certain status by having a child. You know, you have certain advantages in terms of our crazy laws that frankly Congress should be changing," he said. US authorities on Monday fired tear gas canister toward migrants in Mexico near the border crossing separating Tijuana city from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States. According to report, as migrants were trying to enter the US, several hundred made it over the first barrier but when they neared the second fence, US border agents fired tear gas and rubber bullets at them as helicopters buzzed overhead. People covered their faces to protect themselves from the acid gas, as mothers clutched their young children and fled back to Mexico for safety. The incident was the most serious flashpoint in a weeks-long crisis that US President Donald Trump used to drum up support in this month's midterm elections. The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border. Trump has deployed nearly 6,000 troops to the border, on top of more than 2,000 members of the National Guard. To enter the US legally, migrants must apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year. (With inputs from news agencies)

It's very safe: Trump defends use of tear gas on migrants who rushed border

Maria Meza, 35, and her three daughters, the eldest is 13, the other two are 5-year-old twins, were photographed running from the tear gas fired at them by the US Border Patrol.

'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634">NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634">Mars,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634"> will study planet's deep interior</a>

NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-advice-to-pm-he-should-exercise-due-restraint-on-use-of-language-manmohan-singh-179639">My advice to PM Modi is, exercise due restraint on language: Manmohan Singh</a>

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-expects-to-raise-china-tariffs-likely-to-be-placed-on-laptops-and-iphones-179635">Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/there-were-children-says-migrant-mother-tear-gassed-at-us-border-179650">'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border</a>

A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families.

Three tear gas canisters shot from the US side landed around Maria Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aamir-khan-on-thugs-of-hindostan-failure-we-went-wrong-and-i-take-full-responsibility-for-it-179641">Aamir Khan takes 'full responsibility' for Thugs Of Hindostan debacle</a>

t takes courage to accept failure on a public platform. On Monday, Aamir Khan admitted that his last release 'Thugs Of Hindostan' had failed to live up to the expectations and took full resp[onsibility for the film's failure.&nbsp;

“I take full responsibility for 'Thugs....' not working with the audience. I think we went wrong but I would like to take full responsibility of that. You can be sure we tried our level best."

NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on Mars, will study planet's deep interior NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth.

NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on Mars, will study planet's deep interior NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth. My advice to PM Modi is, exercise due restraint on language: Manmohan Singh Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported. The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others. Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1. 'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families. Three tear gas canisters shot from the US side landed around Maria Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter. Aamir Khan takes 'full responsibility' for Thugs Of Hindostan debacle t takes courage to accept failure on a public platform. On Monday, Aamir Khan admitted that his last release 'Thugs Of Hindostan' had failed to live up to the expectations and took full resp[onsibility for the film's failure. “I take full responsibility for 'Thugs....' not working with the audience. I think we went wrong but I would like to take full responsibility of that. You can be sure we tried our level best."

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-confirms-seizing-three-ukrainian-naval-ships-off-crimea-179412">Russia seizes three Ukrainian navy ships, raises fears of military escalation</a>

Russia has seized three Ukrainian naval ships in a strait near Moscow-annexed Crimea, raising fears of military escalation and prompting an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shuts-major-border-crossing-as-migrants-try-to-cross-from-mexico-179409">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shuts-major-border-crossing-as-migrants-try-to-cross-from-mexico-179409"> shuts major border crossing after migrants rush </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shuts-major-border-crossing-as-migrants-try-to-cross-from-mexico-179409">border</a>

US officials briefly closed a border crossing in southern California on Sunday after hundreds of migrants, part of the "caravan" condemned by President Donald Trump, tried to breach a fence from the Mexican city of Tijuana, authorities announced.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">26/11 attacks: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416"> announces $5 million </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">reward</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416"> for information on perpetrators</a>

The United States Monday announced a USD5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired, aided or abetted the 2008 Mumbai attack.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-auto-driver-lynched-on-suspicion-of-theft-179428">Delhi auto driver lynched on suspicion of theft</a>

An autorickshaw driver was lynched in Delhi's Uttam Nagar on Saturday on the suspicion of theft.&nbsp;

Police said two men had boarded Avinash Kumar's auto. They later got off but asked Kumar to wait for them.&nbsp;

Kumar meanwhile went to urinate.&nbsp;When he came back, police said, he saw a crowd thrashing the men.

The duo told the mob that Kumar was their leader, following which the crowd attacked him.

The duo had allegedly stolen batteries and kept them in Kumar's autorickshaw, the police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/64-earthquake-rocks-western-iran-over-250-injured-179417">6.4 earthquake rocks western Iran; over 250 injured</a>

A strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Iran's western province of Kermanshah late Sunday, the country's institute of geophysics said, with local officials reporting some 260 people injured.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russia seizes three Ukrainian navy ships, raises fears of military escalation Russia has seized three Ukrainian naval ships in a strait near Moscow-annexed Crimea, raising fears of military escalation and prompting an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday.

Russia seizes three Ukrainian navy ships, raises fears of military escalation Russia has seized three Ukrainian naval ships in a strait near Moscow-annexed Crimea, raising fears of military escalation and prompting an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday. US shuts major border crossing after migrants rush border US officials briefly closed a border crossing in southern California on Sunday after hundreds of migrants, part of the "caravan" condemned by President Donald Trump, tried to breach a fence from the Mexican city of Tijuana, authorities announced. 26/11 attacks: US announces $5 million reward for information on perpetrators The United States Monday announced a USD5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired, aided or abetted the 2008 Mumbai attack. Delhi auto driver lynched on suspicion of theft An autorickshaw driver was lynched in Delhi's Uttam Nagar on Saturday on the suspicion of theft. Police said two men had boarded Avinash Kumar's auto. They later got off but asked Kumar to wait for them. Kumar meanwhile went to urinate. When he came back, police said, he saw a crowd thrashing the men. The duo told the mob that Kumar was their leader, following which the crowd attacked him. The duo had allegedly stolen batteries and kept them in Kumar's autorickshaw, the police said. 6.4 earthquake rocks western Iran; over 250 injured A strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Iran's western province of Kermanshah late Sunday, the country's institute of geophysics said, with local officials reporting some 260 people injured.

US officials briefly closed a border crossing in southern California on Sunday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-at-us-border-say-they-will-cross-over-despite-trump-stance-179282">hundreds of migrants</a>, part of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-will-hold-us-bound-refugees-while-claims-processed-trump-179220">"caravan" condemned by President Donald Trump</a>, tried to breach a fence from the Mexican city of Tijuana, authorities announced.

The dramatic shutdown took place only three days after Trump threatened to close the "whole border" with Mexico if "it gets to a level where we're going to lose control or people are going to start getting hurt."

Border officials in San Diego, California, said on Twitter that they had temporarily closed the San Ysidro crossing point -- one of the busiest between the two countries -- to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The order was lifted some hours later.

Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete accused some of the migrants of attempting the Tijuana crossing in a "violent way."

"We are going to act and proceed to their deportation," he told the Milenio television network, adding: "Far from helping the caravan, they are hurting it."&nbsp;

Video clips posted on Twitter showed large numbers of migrants dashing across a shallow concrete waterway toward the border. Several thousand migrants, mostly from Central America, have been gathering in Tijuana in hopes of entering the US.

Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kirstjen Nielsen later issued a statement accusing the migrants of seeking to harm border patrol personnel "by throwing projectiles at them."

"As I have continually stated, DHS will not tolerate this type of lawlessness and will not hesitate to shut down ports of entry for security and public safety reasons," she said, adding the US would "seek to prosecute" offenders.

'Are we in the US yet?'

At least 500 migrants, including women and children, had been taking part in a peaceful demonstration in Tijuana before dashing toward the border in an attempt to clamber over a first metal barrier there.

"Are we in the United States yet?" some asked in desperate tones.

Several hundred made it over the first barrier and were trying to cross a second -- topped with spikes -- when US border officers began firing tear gas at them even as US Army helicopters flew low overhead, according to an AFP journalist on the scene.

The migrants tried to protect themselves -- covering their faces, with mothers holding their children close. There were cries of pain, desperation and frustration as the crowd swirled over the border line and back.

Some migrants shouted that they only wanted to make their way to a better life.

But amid the stinging gas, several migrants turned back.

Trump has repeatedly warned that the large group of migrants moving through Mexico toward the US included criminals and possibly terrorists, while providing no evidence to support that.

A reported asylum deal

The US president has deployed some 9,000 troops along the border in support of Customs and Border Protection agents.

Approximately 5,000 migrants reached Tijuana over the past week, after an exhausting trip of up to 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) covered in just over a month. Many were fleeing violence and poverty in Honduras in hopes of finding asylum in the US.

To enter the US legally, migrants must formally apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year.

Trump signed a proclamation earlier this month to prevent anyone filing asylum claims except at legal ports of entry, but a federal judge in San Francisco temporarily blocked the order, pointing to "irreconcilable conflicts" with immigration law.

The Washington Post reported Saturday that the Trump administration had gained the support of Mexico's incoming government for a plan to require asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their applications to be processed.

But officials in the incoming administration of President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said later -- after the Post report was met by stiff criticism in Mexico -- that the agreement was not yet final.

US officials briefly closed a border crossing in southern California on Sunday after hundreds of migrants, part of the "caravan" condemned by President Donald Trump, tried to breach a fence from the Mexican city of Tijuana, authorities announced.

US officials briefly closed a border crossing in southern California on Sunday after hundreds of migrants, part of the "caravan" condemned by President Donald Trump, tried to breach a fence from the Mexican city of Tijuana, authorities announced. The dramatic shutdown took place only three days after Trump threatened to close the "whole border" with Mexico if "it gets to a level where we're going to lose control or people are going to start getting hurt." Border officials in San Diego, California, said on Twitter that they had temporarily closed the San Ysidro crossing point -- one of the busiest between the two countries -- to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The order was lifted some hours later. Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete accused some of the migrants of attempting the Tijuana crossing in a "violent way." "We are going to act and proceed to their deportation," he told the Milenio television network, adding: "Far from helping the caravan, they are hurting it." Video clips posted on Twitter showed large numbers of migrants dashing across a shallow concrete waterway toward the border. Several thousand migrants, mostly from Central America, have been gathering in Tijuana in hopes of entering the US. Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kirstjen Nielsen later issued a statement accusing the migrants of seeking to harm border patrol personnel "by throwing projectiles at them." "As I have continually stated, DHS will not tolerate this type of lawlessness and will not hesitate to shut down ports of entry for security and public safety reasons," she said, adding the US would "seek to prosecute" offenders. 'Are we in the US yet?' At least 500 migrants, including women and children, had been taking part in a peaceful demonstration in Tijuana before dashing toward the border in an attempt to clamber over a first metal barrier there. "Are we in the United States yet?" some asked in desperate tones. Several hundred made it over the first barrier and were trying to cross a second -- topped with spikes -- when US border officers began firing tear gas at them even as US Army helicopters flew low overhead, according to an AFP journalist on the scene. The migrants tried to protect themselves -- covering their faces, with mothers holding their children close. There were cries of pain, desperation and frustration as the crowd swirled over the border line and back. Some migrants shouted that they only wanted to make their way to a better life. But amid the stinging gas, several migrants turned back. Trump has repeatedly warned that the large group of migrants moving through Mexico toward the US included criminals and possibly terrorists, while providing no evidence to support that. A reported asylum deal The US president has deployed some 9,000 troops along the border in support of Customs and Border Protection agents. Approximately 5,000 migrants reached Tijuana over the past week, after an exhausting trip of up to 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) covered in just over a month. Many were fleeing violence and poverty in Honduras in hopes of finding asylum in the US. To enter the US legally, migrants must formally apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year. Trump signed a proclamation earlier this month to prevent anyone filing asylum claims except at legal ports of entry, but a federal judge in San Francisco temporarily blocked the order, pointing to "irreconcilable conflicts" with immigration law. The Washington Post reported Saturday that the Trump administration had gained the support of Mexico's incoming government for a plan to require asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their applications to be processed. But officials in the incoming administration of President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said later -- after the Post report was met by stiff criticism in Mexico -- that the agreement was not yet final.

Migrants rush border, US guards beat them back with tear gas

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865">Migrants attempt to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865">cross </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865"> as Trump threatens to temporarily close US-Mexico border</a>

As President Trump threatened to close the US-Mexico border, hundreds of Central American migrants walked towards Tijuana San Ysidro crossing point from Tijuana into California as tensions mounted over the asylum issue in the US border town.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-2018-semi-final-england-thrash-india-178881">Women's T20 2018: England thrash India in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-2018-semi-final-england-thrash-india-178881">semi-final</a>

England Women outclassed Indian Women to enter the final of Women's World T20 2018 by registering an easy win against 'Women in Blue' at Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-underway-in-anantnag-2-3-terrorist-trapped-178862">J&amp;K: 6 terrorists gunned down in Anantnag encounter; search operation is still on</a>

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-again-stops-indian-officials-from-entering-gurudwara-in-lahore-178872">Pakistan again stops Indian officials from entering Gurudwara in Lahore</a>

Pakistan once again stopped Indian High Commission officials from meeting India pilgrims visiting gurudwara Sacha Sauda In Farooqabad near Lahore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tourists-death-in-andaman-3-accused-taken-into-police-custody-178874">US tourist's death in Andaman: 3 accused taken into police custody</a>

Three of seven fishermen who were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the alleged killing of American Tourist John Allen Chau were taken into police custody on Thursday.

&nbsp;

Migrants attempt to cross border as Trump threatens to temporarily close US-Mexico border As President Trump threatened to close the US-Mexico border, hundreds of Central American migrants walked towards Tijuana San Ysidro crossing point from Tijuana into California as tensions mounted over the asylum issue in the US border town.

Migrants attempt to cross border as Trump threatens to temporarily close US-Mexico border As President Trump threatened to close the US-Mexico border, hundreds of Central American migrants walked towards Tijuana San Ysidro crossing point from Tijuana into California as tensions mounted over the asylum issue in the US border town. Women's T20 2018: England thrash India in semi-final England Women outclassed Indian Women to enter the final of Women's World T20 2018 by registering an easy win against 'Women in Blue' at Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. J&K: 6 terrorists gunned down in Anantnag encounter; search operation is still on An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. Pakistan again stops Indian officials from entering Gurudwara in Lahore Pakistan once again stopped Indian High Commission officials from meeting India pilgrims visiting gurudwara Sacha Sauda In Farooqabad near Lahore. US tourist's death in Andaman: 3 accused taken into police custody Three of seven fishermen who were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the alleged killing of American Tourist John Allen Chau were taken into police custody on Thursday.

US soldiers bolster defence in Texas

Hundreds of migrants from a caravan of Central Americans were stalled at the US-Mexico border on Saturday, where a handful said they welcomed recent Mexican offers of employment in the face of a hostile US&nbsp;reception.

The Mexican government last week reiterated job offers to the migrants, saying that those who obtained legal status could occupy thousands of vacancies, most of them in the country's "maquiladoras," doing factory work.

Since arriving at the border last week, they have been denied entry through the gates linking Mexico to the United States.

Dozens of the mostly Hondurans waited in lines to bathe and washed clothes sullied from 2,600 miles of relentless travel.

Several members of the caravan, which left the crime-wracked city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on October 13, told Reuters they would be willing to stay put in Mexico rather than face rejection across the border.

"If we had work, we would stay. This has been very tiring," said Orbelina Orellana, a 26-year-old Honduran mother of three, waiting at the Alfa and Omega shelter in the city of Mexicali, which borders Calexico, California.

"I cry a lot to not be able to feed them as I'd like," Orellana said of her children. "I just want an opportunity."

Briefly stalled by Mexican riot police on a highway crossing between two southern Mexican states late last month, a dozen migrants told Reuters they rejected such offers, preferring to try their luck in the United States.

But on Saturday, some said that thinking had changed.

"We had the idea to cross to the United States, but they told us it will be nearly impossible," said Mayra Gonzalez, 32, traveling with her two children. "We cannot starve as we wait to find out if they'll give us asylum. Better to work, by the grace of God, here in Mexico."

In a sharp reversal of longstanding US&nbsp;policy, President Donald Trump's administration last week began enforcing new rules that curtail asylum rights for anyone who arrives without documents at the US&nbsp;border.

Trump earlier this month deployed almost 6,000 troops along the long US&nbsp;border with Mexico.

As they wound north through Mexico, the migrants were helped along by local authorities and residents who offered food, clothing and even free rides on daily treks that averaged 30 miles a day, much of it on foot.

But that welcome became noticeably frostier as the caravan reached the border.

In Tijuana, a city long accustomed to a population of migrants in transit, deportees and US&nbsp;pleasure-seekers, a clutch of local residents last week threw rocks at the migrants, telling them to go home.

But some said the Central Americans could help boost the local economy.

"We are not against migration," Ulises Araiza, President of the Association of Human Resources of Industry in Tijuana, told Reuters.

"We know the situation that these people face in their country. But we also favour order so as to integrate them into the labour sector, because only in Tijuana do we have a demand in the maquiladora industry for 5,000 people."

Hundreds of migrants from a caravan of Central Americans were stalled at the US-Mexico border on Saturday, where a handful said they welcomed recent Mexican offers of employment in the face of a hostile US reception.

Hundreds of migrants from a caravan of Central Americans were stalled at the US-Mexico border on Saturday, where a handful said they welcomed recent Mexican offers of employment in the face of a hostile US reception. The Mexican government last week reiterated job offers to the migrants, saying that those who obtained legal status could occupy thousands of vacancies, most of them in the country's "maquiladoras," doing factory work. Since arriving at the border last week, they have been denied entry through the gates linking Mexico to the United States. Dozens of the mostly Hondurans waited in lines to bathe and washed clothes sullied from 2,600 miles of relentless travel. Several members of the caravan, which left the crime-wracked city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on October 13, told Reuters they would be willing to stay put in Mexico rather than face rejection across the border. "If we had work, we would stay. This has been very tiring," said Orbelina Orellana, a 26-year-old Honduran mother of three, waiting at the Alfa and Omega shelter in the city of Mexicali, which borders Calexico, California. "I cry a lot to not be able to feed them as I'd like," Orellana said of her children. "I just want an opportunity." Briefly stalled by Mexican riot police on a highway crossing between two southern Mexican states late last month, a dozen migrants told Reuters they rejected such offers, preferring to try their luck in the United States. But on Saturday, some said that thinking had changed. "We had the idea to cross to the United States, but they told us it will be nearly impossible," said Mayra Gonzalez, 32, traveling with her two children. "We cannot starve as we wait to find out if they'll give us asylum. Better to work, by the grace of God, here in Mexico." In a sharp reversal of longstanding US policy, President Donald Trump's administration last week began enforcing new rules that curtail asylum rights for anyone who arrives without documents at the US border. Trump earlier this month deployed almost 6,000 troops along the long US border with Mexico. As they wound north through Mexico, the migrants were helped along by local authorities and residents who offered food, clothing and even free rides on daily treks that averaged 30 miles a day, much of it on foot. But that welcome became noticeably frostier as the caravan reached the border. In Tijuana, a city long accustomed to a population of migrants in transit, deportees and US pleasure-seekers, a clutch of local residents last week threw rocks at the migrants, telling them to go home. But some said the Central Americans could help boost the local economy. "We are not against migration," Ulises Araiza, President of the Association of Human Resources of Industry in Tijuana, told Reuters. "We know the situation that these people face in their country. But we also favour order so as to integrate them into the labour sector, because only in Tijuana do we have a demand in the maquiladora industry for 5,000 people."

Central Americans stalled at US-Mexico border, mull work offers

US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

Barbed wire and barricades were also installed at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa crossings from Tijuana.

"There's triple strength concertina wire stretched along portions of the border fence in order to prevent folks from attempting to gain access to the US by climbing over the fence," said Army Captain Guster Cunningham.

Tijuana, in the Mexican state of Baja California, is at the westerly end of the border, around 17 miles (38km) from San Diego, California.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against the caravan, which began its journey north on October 13 and briefly clashed with security forces in the south of Mexico early on its route.

US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached. Barbed wire and barricades were also installed at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa crossings from Tijuana. "There's triple strength concertina wire stretched along portions of the border fence in order to prevent folks from attempting to gain access to the US by climbing over the fence," said Army Captain Guster Cunningham. Tijuana, in the Mexican state of Baja California, is at the westerly end of the border, around 17 miles (38km) from San Diego, California. The administration of US President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against the caravan, which began its journey north on October 13 and briefly clashed with security forces in the south of Mexico early on its route.

Watch: US military lays barbed wire at border as migrant caravan approaches

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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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

The Pentagon could send thousands more troops to the US-Mexico border, a US official said Monday, as President Donald Trump warned a caravan of Central American migrants that the military was waiting.

US officials last week said about 800 active-duty troops would be sent to provide assistance -- mainly in the form of logistical support -- to border guards working along the frontier.&nbsp;

But the Wall Street Journal reported Monday that 5,000 troops would deploy to the southern border.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official said the 5,000 figure was right -- but cautioned that planning is still under way and said no final decisions have been made on numbers.

The Department of Homeland Security, the vast US agency in charge of border security, was scheduled to hold a news conference at 4:00 pm (2000 GMT).

Trump in recent weeks has repeatedly said more troops are needed to tighten security at the border and he has made political capital of the caravan in the weeks before important mid-term congressional elections that could see the Democrats regain a degree of power.&nbsp;

Trump took to Twitter on Monday to again blast the migrant caravan, which is comprised mainly of Hondurans and is making its way slowly northward, mostly on foot, through Mexico.

"Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump wrote.

"Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!"

In April, Trump ordered up to 4,000 National Guardsmen to head to the border as a different migrant caravan wound its way north. About 2,100 have deployed.&nbsp;

The Pentagon could send thousands more troops to the US-Mexico border, a US official said Monday, as President Donald Trump warned a caravan of Central American migrants that the military was waiting.

The Pentagon could send thousands more troops to the US-Mexico border, a US official said Monday, as President Donald Trump warned a caravan of Central American migrants that the military was waiting. US officials last week said about 800 active-duty troops would be sent to provide assistance -- mainly in the form of logistical support -- to border guards working along the frontier. But the Wall Street Journal reported Monday that 5,000 troops would deploy to the southern border. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official said the 5,000 figure was right -- but cautioned that planning is still under way and said no final decisions have been made on numbers. The Department of Homeland Security, the vast US agency in charge of border security, was scheduled to hold a news conference at 4:00 pm (2000 GMT). Trump in recent weeks has repeatedly said more troops are needed to tighten security at the border and he has made political capital of the caravan in the weeks before important mid-term congressional elections that could see the Democrats regain a degree of power. Trump took to Twitter on Monday to again blast the migrant caravan, which is comprised mainly of Hondurans and is making its way slowly northward, mostly on foot, through Mexico. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump wrote. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" In April, Trump ordered up to 4,000 National Guardsmen to head to the border as a different migrant caravan wound its way north. About 2,100 have deployed.

Pentagon could send thousands more troops to US-Mexico border: Official

The Pentagon is expected to deploy "several hundred" troops to the US-Mexico border, a US official told AFP Thursday, after President Donald Trump said the military would be used to tackle a "national emergency" on the border.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said the troops would be used mainly to provide logistical support including tents, vehicles and equipment.&nbsp;

Trump earlier tweeted that "Democrat inspired" laws make it difficult to stop people at the border. "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bringing-out-the-military-to-protect-us-border-173423">I am bringing out the military for this National Emergency</a>," he said.

The Pentagon is expected to deploy "several hundred" troops to the US-Mexico border, a US official told AFP Thursday, after President Donald Trump said the military would be used to tackle a "national emergency" on the border.

The Pentagon is expected to deploy "several hundred" troops to the US-Mexico border, a US official told AFP Thursday, after President Donald Trump said the military would be used to tackle a "national emergency" on the border. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said the troops would be used mainly to provide logistical support including tents, vehicles and equipment. Trump earlier tweeted that "Democrat inspired" laws make it difficult to stop people at the border. "I am bringing out the military for this National Emergency," he said.

Pentagon to send 'several hundred' troops to US-Mexico border: US official

Thousands of US-bound Honduran migrants remained stranded Saturday after spending the night on a border bridge between Guatemala and Mexico where riot police barred their progress.

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said he would meet Saturday with his Guatemalan counterpart Jimmy Morales to discuss the next steps in the crisis, which has triggered escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric from US President Donald Trump.

Hundreds slept in the open on the bridge over the Suchiate River and in the main square of the Guatemalan border town of Tecun Uman.&nbsp;

Hernandez said on Twitter he had asked Guatemalan authorities "to contract land transportation for those who wish to return -- and airlift in the special cases of women, children, the elderly and the sick -- and we will continue with this operation as long as necessary."

More than 300 people have taken up a government offer of a bus ride home to their country, police said.

However, the vast majority have opted to wait on the bridge over the Suchiate River where Mexican authorities insisted they would have to file asylum claims one at a time in order to enter the country.

On Friday, they began letting them through in a trickle -- first women and children, who were ushered onto trucks and taken to shelters.

A surge, then clashes

The caravan of mainly Honduran migrants had surged through a series of police lines and barricades up to the final fence on Mexico's southern border on Friday.

Sections of the crowd hurled rocks and other objects at hundreds of riot police, who responded with rubber bullets and tear gas -- stalling the caravan which left Honduras last Saturday determined to reach the United States.

Several people were injured. Police used tear gas to drive the migrants back and calm was restored.&nbsp;

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto described the situation as "unprecedented."

Organizers of the caravan said a section of the crowd had confronted the police and spoiled what had been an orderly attempt to cross into Mexico.

Some camped on the bridge "are very aggressive and no longer have patience, they are already desperate because the Mexicans did not open the door to us," said Gina Paola Montes, 21, a humanities student from Honduras university.

Some, like 22-year-old Alex Benitez, paid locals to take him across the river border by raft.&nbsp;

"They promised they will give us a visa but the people are there (on the bridge) since yesterday and they have not given us anything," Benitez said as he waited for friends who were crossing on another raft, made from huge truck tires.

Police officers patrolling the area told AFP that for now there are no plans to move against the migrants crossing by river.

Going home

Some, like 25-year-old Honduran Bryon Rivera, had decided to give up on a long- held dream of a better life in America.

"It is better to go back. It is very hard. There is a lot of disorder," said Rivera, who was hoping to get on a bus back to Honduras laid on by the Guatemalan government.

The soft-spoken 25-year-old said he was travelling with three friends who decided to remain in the caravan, but that for him, the fear of being deported once he reached Mexico was too much.

Overnight, a policeman said 220 Hondurans had begun to return to their country and another 130 were awaiting transport in a local migrant shelter.

The caravan, in some cases comprising entire families -- many with babies -- has braved intense sun and torrential rains by turn since setting out last Saturday from a Honduran border town.

Many have been given food and shelter by Guatemalans along their way.

On Thursday, Trump branded the migrant caravan an "onslaught" and an "assault on our country" in a series of typically fiery tweets.

He threatened to cut aid to the region, deploy the military and close the US-Mexican border if authorities did not stop them.

The migrants are generally fleeing poverty and insecurity in Honduras, where powerful street gangs rule their turf with brutal violence.

With a homicide rate of 43 per 100,000 citizens, Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the world.

Thousands of US-bound Honduran migrants remained stranded Saturday after spending the night on a border bridge between Guatemala and Mexico where riot police barred their progress.

Thousands of US-bound Honduran migrants remained stranded Saturday after spending the night on a border bridge between Guatemala and Mexico where riot police barred their progress. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said he would meet Saturday with his Guatemalan counterpart Jimmy Morales to discuss the next steps in the crisis, which has triggered escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric from US President Donald Trump. Hundreds slept in the open on the bridge over the Suchiate River and in the main square of the Guatemalan border town of Tecun Uman. Hernandez said on Twitter he had asked Guatemalan authorities "to contract land transportation for those who wish to return -- and airlift in the special cases of women, children, the elderly and the sick -- and we will continue with this operation as long as necessary." More than 300 people have taken up a government offer of a bus ride home to their country, police said. However, the vast majority have opted to wait on the bridge over the Suchiate River where Mexican authorities insisted they would have to file asylum claims one at a time in order to enter the country. On Friday, they began letting them through in a trickle -- first women and children, who were ushered onto trucks and taken to shelters. A surge, then clashes The caravan of mainly Honduran migrants had surged through a series of police lines and barricades up to the final fence on Mexico's southern border on Friday. Sections of the crowd hurled rocks and other objects at hundreds of riot police, who responded with rubber bullets and tear gas -- stalling the caravan which left Honduras last Saturday determined to reach the United States. Several people were injured. Police used tear gas to drive the migrants back and calm was restored. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto described the situation as "unprecedented." Organizers of the caravan said a section of the crowd had confronted the police and spoiled what had been an orderly attempt to cross into Mexico. Some camped on the bridge "are very aggressive and no longer have patience, they are already desperate because the Mexicans did not open the door to us," said Gina Paola Montes, 21, a humanities student from Honduras university. Some, like 22-year-old Alex Benitez, paid locals to take him across the river border by raft. "They promised they will give us a visa but the people are there (on the bridge) since yesterday and they have not given us anything," Benitez said as he waited for friends who were crossing on another raft, made from huge truck tires. Police officers patrolling the area told AFP that for now there are no plans to move against the migrants crossing by river. Going home Some, like 25-year-old Honduran Bryon Rivera, had decided to give up on a long- held dream of a better life in America. "It is better to go back. It is very hard. There is a lot of disorder," said Rivera, who was hoping to get on a bus back to Honduras laid on by the Guatemalan government. The soft-spoken 25-year-old said he was travelling with three friends who decided to remain in the caravan, but that for him, the fear of being deported once he reached Mexico was too much. Overnight, a policeman said 220 Hondurans had begun to return to their country and another 130 were awaiting transport in a local migrant shelter. The caravan, in some cases comprising entire families -- many with babies -- has braved intense sun and torrential rains by turn since setting out last Saturday from a Honduran border town. Many have been given food and shelter by Guatemalans along their way. On Thursday, Trump branded the migrant caravan an "onslaught" and an "assault on our country" in a series of typically fiery tweets. He threatened to cut aid to the region, deploy the military and close the US-Mexican border if authorities did not stop them. The migrants are generally fleeing poverty and insecurity in Honduras, where powerful street gangs rule their turf with brutal violence. With a homicide rate of 43 per 100,000 citizens, Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the world.

Thousands of Central American migrants stranded on Mexican border

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday illegal migration across the US-Mexican border is near crisis levels, as a caravan of Honduran migrants prepared to enter Mexico bound for the United States.

"President (Donald) Trump's been clear about the largest issue we face today. We are quickly reaching a point which appears to be a moment of crisis: record numbers of migrants," Pompeo told his Mexican counterpart, Luis Videgaray, during a visit to Mexico City.

Pompeo's trip to Central America and Mexico came as a caravan of thousands of Honduran migrants prepared to cross Mexico's southern border with Guatemala on their northbound journey, drawing warnings from Trump that he would cut aid to the region, deploy the military and close the US-Mexican border if authorities did not stop them.

&nbsp;

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday illegal migration across the US-Mexican border is near crisis levels, as a caravan of Honduran migrants prepared to enter Mexico bound for the United States.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday illegal migration across the US-Mexican border is near crisis levels, as a caravan of Honduran migrants prepared to enter Mexico bound for the United States. "President (Donald) Trump's been clear about the largest issue we face today. We are quickly reaching a point which appears to be a moment of crisis: record numbers of migrants," Pompeo told his Mexican counterpart, Luis Videgaray, during a visit to Mexico City. Pompeo's trip to Central America and Mexico came as a caravan of thousands of Honduran migrants prepared to cross Mexico's southern border with Guatemala on their northbound journey, drawing warnings from Trump that he would cut aid to the region, deploy the military and close the US-Mexican border if authorities did not stop them.

Migration over US-Mexico border 'reaching a moment of crisis': Mike Pompeo

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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

Dozens of Central American migrants from about 600 travelling in a "caravan" through Mexico arrived at the border city of Tijuana late on Tuesday despite warnings it would be futile to try to cross to claim asylum in the United States.

By evening, two busloads of men, women and children arrived in Tijuana, a city that grazes southern California.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has ordered officials to repel them.

The arrivals spilled into the streets and gazed toward San Diego, visible at spots through a rusty barrier or across a pedestrian bridge, exhausted after their trek that began a month ago near Mexico's southern border with Guatemala.

Another four busloads were making their way north from Hermosillo, a city 432 miles south of the border, where the migrants had been stalled for days.

Many who fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of what they described as lethal threats or political persecution have clung to the hope of receiving asylum in the United States. But their prospects dimmed after U.S. authorities released statements on Monday saying they would driven back.

Rodrigo Abeja, a coordinator from immigrant rights group Pueblo Sin Fronteras that has been organising similar caravans for several years, said the caravan planned to regroup before making any decisions.

"They will wait for all those seeking asylum to be together," Abeja said.

A third group, resigned to staying in Mexico, awaited processing for year-long visas by immigration authorities in Hermosillo.

Travelling as a group for safety, their numbers were down from a peak of about 1,500 people, dwindling under the twin pressures of waiting for transportation and attacks by Trump, who began lashing out at the caravan on Twitter in early April.

After Trump's comments, Mexican authorities stalled the caravan in a southern town and began handing out temporary visas that gave them legal status to travel to the border.

US President Donald Trump has ordered officials to repel them

Dozens of Central American migrants from about 600 travelling in a "caravan" through Mexico arrived at the border city of Tijuana late on Tuesday despite warnings it would be futile to try to cross to claim asylum in the United States. By evening, two busloads of men, women and children arrived in Tijuana, a city that grazes southern California. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has ordered officials to repel them. The arrivals spilled into the streets and gazed toward San Diego, visible at spots through a rusty barrier or across a pedestrian bridge, exhausted after their trek that began a month ago near Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. Another four busloads were making their way north from Hermosillo, a city 432 miles south of the border, where the migrants had been stalled for days. Many who fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of what they described as lethal threats or political persecution have clung to the hope of receiving asylum in the United States. But their prospects dimmed after U.S. authorities released statements on Monday saying they would driven back. Rodrigo Abeja, a coordinator from immigrant rights group Pueblo Sin Fronteras that has been organising similar caravans for several years, said the caravan planned to regroup before making any decisions. "They will wait for all those seeking asylum to be together," Abeja said. A third group, resigned to staying in Mexico, awaited processing for year-long visas by immigration authorities in Hermosillo. Travelling as a group for safety, their numbers were down from a peak of about 1,500 people, dwindling under the twin pressures of waiting for transportation and attacks by Trump, who began lashing out at the caravan on Twitter in early April. After Trump's comments, Mexican authorities stalled the caravan in a southern town and began handing out temporary visas that gave them legal status to travel to the border.

Busloads of migrants from 'caravan' arrive at US-Mexico border

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has signed a memo according to which the National Guard will deploy up to 4,000 troops to the US-Mexico border.

According to the Hill, the move permits the use of the Pentagon money for up to 4,000 National Guard personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security's "southern border security mission while under the command and control of their respective governors through September 30, 2018."

The memo reportedly further states that the troops will not be used for law enforcement or interaction with immigrants unless Defense Secretary James Mattis approves it and that the troops will be armed only if required for self-defence.

It will be valid for the current budget year, which ends on 30 September, however, the memo does not say how much the mission will cost.

The initial deployment of 500 will include soldiers and airmen.

"Always Ready, Always There! Moving up to 500 #NationalGuard troops immediately on the SW border security mission. Vehicles, equipment & helicopters on the way tonight," National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel wrote on Twitter.&nbsp

The initial deployment of 500 will include soldiers and airmen

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has signed a memo according to which the National Guard will deploy up to 4,000 troops to the US-Mexico border. According to the Hill, the move permits the use of the Pentagon money for up to 4,000 National Guard personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security's "southern border security mission while under the command and control of their respective governors through September 30, 2018." The memo reportedly further states that the troops will not be used for law enforcement or interaction with immigrants unless Defense Secretary James Mattis approves it and that the troops will be armed only if required for self-defence. It will be valid for the current budget year, which ends on 30 September, however, the memo does not say how much the mission will cost. The initial deployment of 500 will include soldiers and airmen. "Always Ready, Always There! Moving up to 500 #NationalGuard troops immediately on the SW border security mission. Vehicles, equipment & helicopters on the way tonight," National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel wrote on Twitter.

Mattis approves deployment of National Guard troops at US-Mexico border

President Donald Trump, unable to get the US&nbspCongress or Mexico to fully fund his border wall, will post National Guard troops along the Mexican frontier, officials said on Wednesday, in a move that was likely to escalate tensions with a key US&nbspally.

The Trump administration was working with the governors of the four southwestern US&nbspstates along the border to deploy the Guard, said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, adding that the troops would not be involved in law enforcement.

In a supporting role, possibly for aerial reconnaissance, the Guard will help US&nbspCustoms and Border Protection personnel with stopping illegal immigrants from entering the country, Nielsen said at a White House briefing with reporters.

In a memorandum laying out the new initiative, Trump directed Defense Secretary James Mattis to request the use of National Guard personnel to help the Department of Homeland Security in securing the southern border.

He ordered Mattis, Nielsen and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to submit a report within 30 days detailing an action plan and recommendations for any other executive authorities to be invoked to protect the border.

The administration`s move drew criticism from Democrats. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado said Trump has failed to engage with lawmakers on bipartisan immigration reform that would satisfy both parties` agendas on the volatile issue.

"Unfortunately, the president failed to lead, and rather than find real solutions on immigration, he continues to stoke fear," Bennet said in a statement.

The Mexican government has told the United States that "if the announced deployment of the National Guard turned into a militarization of the border, that would gravely damage the bilateral relationship," Mexico`s Foreign Ministry said.

It said Nielsen discussed the planned National Guard deployment with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on Wednesday and told him the troops will not carry arms.

In keeping with a theme he often invoked as a candidate in 2016 and has continually returned to since taking office, Republican Trump has sharpened his anti-immigrant rhetoric, warning that illegal immigrants threaten US&nbspsafety and jobs.

His plan to deploy troops comes after his failure so far to persuade either the Mexican government or the US&nbspCongress to fully fund a wall he wants to build along the border.

At the same time, the Republican-controlled Congress has failed to meaningfully overhaul US&nbspimmigration law, despite demands from Trump for a deal. With campaigning by lawmakers for November`s midterm congressional elections getting under way, little legislative action was expected in months ahead.

The National Guard is a reserve wing of the US&nbsparmed forces that is partially under the authority of governors.

Trump`s plans were hailed as welcome and needed by the Republican governors of Arizona and Texas.

The California National Guard will promptly review Trump`s request "to determine how best we can assist our federal partners," said a spokesman for the state`s unit in a statement. He added he was speaking for Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat.

Wall of bases

Trump last month signed a federal spending bill that contained $1.6 billion to pay for six months of work on his wall. He had asked for $25 billion for it.

Nielsen told reporters the administration was looking into possibly constructing some wall on border land owned by the US&nbspmilitary.

After Nielsen spoke, a senior administration official said, "We expect personnel to be on the border quickly but at this time we don`t have a date, but that will be coming soon."

Many National Guard personnel are federally funded and can be put under the direction of Washington when they are carrying out federal missions. There are thousands of US&nbspNational Guard now serving on federal missions, including in Afghanistan.

Nielsen did not give details on the number of the troops to be deployed to the border or the cost of the operation.

She said the administration had drafted legislation and would be asking Congress to provide the legal authority and resources to address "this crisis at our borders." She said the Guard could conduct aerial surveillance along the border.

Nielsen said that despite steps taken by the administration, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and dangerous gang activity across the border were at unacceptable levels.

"Until we can have a wall and proper security we`re going to be guarding our border with the military," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, lamenting what he called "horrible" US&nbsplaws that left the border poorly protected.

On Wednesday, he said in a tweet: "Our Border Laws are very weak while those of Mexico & Canada are very strong. Congress must change this Obama era, and other, laws NOW!"

While the Trump administration speaks of an immigration "crisis" on the border, US&nbspBorder Patrol statistics show the fewest apprehensions of illegal immigrants on the border in 46 years. In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2017, there were 303,916 such arrests, the lowest level since fiscal 1971.

Under Republican President George W Bush, the National Guard between 2006 and 2008 provided border-related intelligence analysis, but had no direct law enforcement role.

In 2010, President Barack Obama sent National Guard troops to the US-Mexican border to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to US&nbspBorder Patrol agents.

President Donald Trump, unable to get the US Congress or Mexico to fully fund his border wall, will post National Guard troops along the Mexican frontier, officials said on Wednesday, in a move that was likely to escalate tensions with a key US ally

President Donald Trump, unable to get the US&nbspCongress or Mexico to fully fund his border wall, will post National Guard troops along the Mexican frontier, officials said on Wednesday, in a move that was likely to escalate tensions with a key US&nbspally. The Trump administration was working with the governors of the four southwestern US&nbspstates along the border to deploy the Guard, said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, adding that the troops would not be involved in law enforcement. In a supporting role, possibly for aerial reconnaissance, the Guard will help US&nbspCustoms and Border Protection personnel with stopping illegal immigrants from entering the country, Nielsen said at a White House briefing with reporters. In a memorandum laying out the new initiative, Trump directed Defense Secretary James Mattis to request the use of National Guard personnel to help the Department of Homeland Security in securing the southern border. He ordered Mattis, Nielsen and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to submit a report within 30 days detailing an action plan and recommendations for any other executive authorities to be invoked to protect the border. The administration`s move drew criticism from Democrats. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado said Trump has failed to engage with lawmakers on bipartisan immigration reform that would satisfy both parties` agendas on the volatile issue. "Unfortunately, the president failed to lead, and rather than find real solutions on immigration, he continues to stoke fear," Bennet said in a statement. The Mexican government has told the United States that "if the announced deployment of the National Guard turned into a militarization of the border, that would gravely damage the bilateral relationship," Mexico`s Foreign Ministry said. It said Nielsen discussed the planned National Guard deployment with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on Wednesday and told him the troops will not carry arms. In keeping with a theme he often invoked as a candidate in 2016 and has continually returned to since taking office, Republican Trump has sharpened his anti-immigrant rhetoric, warning that illegal immigrants threaten US&nbspsafety and jobs. His plan to deploy troops comes after his failure so far to persuade either the Mexican government or the US&nbspCongress to fully fund a wall he wants to build along the border. At the same time, the Republican-controlled Congress has failed to meaningfully overhaul US&nbspimmigration law, despite demands from Trump for a deal. With campaigning by lawmakers for November`s midterm congressional elections getting under way, little legislative action was expected in months ahead. The National Guard is a reserve wing of the US&nbsparmed forces that is partially under the authority of governors. Trump`s plans were hailed as welcome and needed by the Republican governors of Arizona and Texas. The California National Guard will promptly review Trump`s request "to determine how best we can assist our federal partners," said a spokesman for the state`s unit in a statement. He added he was speaking for Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat. Wall of bases Trump last month signed a federal spending bill that contained $1.6 billion to pay for six months of work on his wall. He had asked for $25 billion for it. Nielsen told reporters the administration was looking into possibly constructing some wall on border land owned by the US&nbspmilitary. After Nielsen spoke, a senior administration official said, "We expect personnel to be on the border quickly but at this time we don`t have a date, but that will be coming soon." Many National Guard personnel are federally funded and can be put under the direction of Washington when they are carrying out federal missions. There are thousands of US&nbspNational Guard now serving on federal missions, including in Afghanistan. Nielsen did not give details on the number of the troops to be deployed to the border or the cost of the operation. She said the administration had drafted legislation and would be asking Congress to provide the legal authority and resources to address "this crisis at our borders." She said the Guard could conduct aerial surveillance along the border. Nielsen said that despite steps taken by the administration, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and dangerous gang activity across the border were at unacceptable levels. "Until we can have a wall and proper security we`re going to be guarding our border with the military," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, lamenting what he called "horrible" US&nbsplaws that left the border poorly protected. On Wednesday, he said in a tweet: "Our Border Laws are very weak while those of Mexico & Canada are very strong. Congress must change this Obama era, and other, laws NOW!" While the Trump administration speaks of an immigration "crisis" on the border, US&nbspBorder Patrol statistics show the fewest apprehensions of illegal immigrants on the border in 46 years. In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2017, there were 303,916 such arrests, the lowest level since fiscal 1971. Under Republican President George W Bush, the National Guard between 2006 and 2008 provided border-related intelligence analysis, but had no direct law enforcement role. In 2010, President Barack Obama sent National Guard troops to the US-Mexican border to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to US&nbspBorder Patrol agents.

Trump, stymied on wall, to send troops to US-Mexico border

On Tuesday, the same day that US President Donald Trump announced his intention to deploy the military to help patrol the US-Mexico border, Edwin Valdez and four other Central American migrants were walking through dense brush at a south Texas wildlife reserve, hoping to escape notice.&nbsp;

The men had illegally crossed into the United States that morning, guided by a smuggler who had since abandoned them. Now they were lost and uncertain how to proceed.&nbsp;

In vehicles nearby, US Border Patrol agents had been alerted to migrants moving through the area, and after detecting movement in the bushes, they swooped in to arrest the men.&nbsp;

It was business as usual in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the busiest crossing points for migrants trying to enter the United States illegally.&nbsp;

In just a few hours that morning, 61 migrants, including Valdez, were rounded up in the area. Ten, including four from China, were caught with the help of a tracking dog in a sugar cane field. Two Hondurans were taken into custody at a public park.&nbsp;

Several of those caught said they were unfazed by tough talk from Trump, who has made headlines around the world with tweets railing about border security and threatening to end the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) unless Mexico does more to "stop the big drug and people flows."

Trump's renewed frustration about border security, rekindled over the weekend by news of a "caravan" of Central American migrants moving through Mexico toward the US border, reflects the broader frustration of his administration.&nbsp;

In the months after Trump took office, the number of migrants caught along the US-Mexico border fell dramatically, hitting a low of about 15,700 in April, from more than 42,400 in January 2017, US Customs and Border Protection data shows.

But arrests have crept back up since, and in the first months of 2018 have reached levels at, or near, those seen during the last year of his predecessor, President Barack Obama.

Rising arrests of families and unaccompanied minors along the border are a particular concern.

In March, their numbers surpassed the previous three years and "rivaled fiscal year 2014, when we had a crisis," Manuel Padilla, chief of the border patrol`s Rio Grande Valley sector, said in an interview.

He said about families with children, who are more difficult to deport quickly, form about 49 per cent of the current apprehensions in his region. He said they often walk up to the first US officials they find to ask for help.&nbsp;

"It doesn`t matter how many agents are out there," when it comes to families, he said, "because this population is turning themselves in."

Valdez, 20, who worked as an electrician's assistant in his home country of El Salvador, said he previously tried to cross the border illegally in 2016.

But he was picked up by border patrol officers after wandering lost and dehydrated in the desert for four days. After six months in detention, he was deported last year but decided to travel north again after gangs threatened him at his job.&nbsp;

While crossing has become more and more difficult in recent years, Valdez said, need is a powerful spur.

"Necessity forces people to leave their countries so they can bring a better life to their families," he said.&nbsp;

"That`s why people are willing to suffer through all this."

After his arrest on Monday, Valdez put his personal belongings in a plastic bag, removed his shoelaces and was searched by the agents who arrested him. Then he and his companions were taken to a processing facility.

People who have been previously deported can often be quickly sent home.&nbsp;

Immigrants travelling with small children when caught often spend only a few days in custody, however, because of a shortage of detention facilities suitable for families and court settlements that preclude prolonged detention of minors.&nbsp;

In the Rio Grande Valley, parents are often released with electronic ankle monitors and ordered to appear with their children in court on a specific date for deportation proceedings. Trump has railed against the practice, which he calls "catch and release."&nbsp;

For migrants like Jose Romero, 27, who made the harrowing days-long trip through Mexico with his 8-year-old daughter in the back of a dark cargo truck, threats from the president are a little deterrent.

In his mountain home in Honduras, Romero made just $4 a day as a farm labourer, not enough to feed his family of five, he said. After his arrest and subsequent release to wait court proceedings, he said he doubted if migrants can be deterred.

"They will keep coming," he said, because of violence and poverty south of the border. "The people are afraid."

It is still business as usual in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the busiest crossing points for migrants trying to enter the United States illegally

On Tuesday, the same day that US President Donald Trump announced his intention to deploy the military to help patrol the US-Mexico border, Edwin Valdez and four other Central American migrants were walking through dense brush at a south Texas wildlife reserve, hoping to escape notice. The men had illegally crossed into the United States that morning, guided by a smuggler who had since abandoned them. Now they were lost and uncertain how to proceed. In vehicles nearby, US Border Patrol agents had been alerted to migrants moving through the area, and after detecting movement in the bushes, they swooped in to arrest the men. It was business as usual in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the busiest crossing points for migrants trying to enter the United States illegally. In just a few hours that morning, 61 migrants, including Valdez, were rounded up in the area. Ten, including four from China, were caught with the help of a tracking dog in a sugar cane field. Two Hondurans were taken into custody at a public park. Several of those caught said they were unfazed by tough talk from Trump, who has made headlines around the world with tweets railing about border security and threatening to end the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) unless Mexico does more to "stop the big drug and people flows." Trump's renewed frustration about border security, rekindled over the weekend by news of a "caravan" of Central American migrants moving through Mexico toward the US border, reflects the broader frustration of his administration. In the months after Trump took office, the number of migrants caught along the US-Mexico border fell dramatically, hitting a low of about 15,700 in April, from more than 42,400 in January 2017, US Customs and Border Protection data shows. But arrests have crept back up since, and in the first months of 2018 have reached levels at, or near, those seen during the last year of his predecessor, President Barack Obama. Rising arrests of families and unaccompanied minors along the border are a particular concern. In March, their numbers surpassed the previous three years and "rivaled fiscal year 2014, when we had a crisis," Manuel Padilla, chief of the border patrol`s Rio Grande Valley sector, said in an interview. He said about families with children, who are more difficult to deport quickly, form about 49 per cent of the current apprehensions in his region. He said they often walk up to the first US officials they find to ask for help. "It doesn`t matter how many agents are out there," when it comes to families, he said, "because this population is turning themselves in." Valdez, 20, who worked as an electrician's assistant in his home country of El Salvador, said he previously tried to cross the border illegally in 2016. But he was picked up by border patrol officers after wandering lost and dehydrated in the desert for four days. After six months in detention, he was deported last year but decided to travel north again after gangs threatened him at his job. While crossing has become more and more difficult in recent years, Valdez said, need is a powerful spur. "Necessity forces people to leave their countries so they can bring a better life to their families," he said. "That`s why people are willing to suffer through all this." After his arrest on Monday, Valdez put his personal belongings in a plastic bag, removed his shoelaces and was searched by the agents who arrested him. Then he and his companions were taken to a processing facility. People who have been previously deported can often be quickly sent home. Immigrants travelling with small children when caught often spend only a few days in custody, however, because of a shortage of detention facilities suitable for families and court settlements that preclude prolonged detention of minors. In the Rio Grande Valley, parents are often released with electronic ankle monitors and ordered to appear with their children in court on a specific date for deportation proceedings. Trump has railed against the practice, which he calls "catch and release." For migrants like Jose Romero, 27, who made the harrowing days-long trip through Mexico with his 8-year-old daughter in the back of a dark cargo truck, threats from the president are a little deterrent. In his mountain home in Honduras, Romero made just $4 a day as a farm labourer, not enough to feed his family of five, he said. After his arrest and subsequent release to wait court proceedings, he said he doubted if migrants can be deterred. "They will keep coming," he said, because of violence and poverty south of the border. "The people are afraid."

Migrants at US-Mexico border say Trump's tough talk won't deter them

United States President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated that the building of US-Mexico border would help to stem the flow of illegal drugs, such as heroin and narcotics into the country.

While speaking in Manchester, New Hampshire, which has been the primary city exposed to opioid deaths Trump came up with the decision to build the wall to &quot;keep the damn drugs out&quot; and has come up with numerous ways to fight the epidemic.&nbsp;

&quot;Eventually the Democrats will agree with us and we&#39;ll build the wall to keep the damn drugs out,&quot; he said.

The drug overdose rose to 23 per cent in the city in the first two months of 2018, reports said.&nbsp;

At the same time, the outlet reported that overdose deaths were down 27 percent. Trump said 90 percent of illicit drugs come into the United States via the Mexican border.

In a speech on opioid epidemic at New Hampshire, President Trump vowed to be &quot;extremely tough&quot; on rampant drug crime in the country, adding that he would give &#39;death penalty&#39; to the country&#39;s drug dealers.

&quot;If we don&#39;t get tough on drug dealers, we are wasting our time, and that toughness includes the death penalty. We have got to get tough. This isn&#39;t about nice anymore,&quot; he asserted.

He spoke in front of a banner that read, &quot;Opioids: The Crisis Next Door&quot; and was flanked by law enforcement members.

He vowed that his administration would be spending a lot of money on a public awareness campaign to prevent American youth from taking drugs.

&quot;That&#39;s the least expensive thing we can do, where you scare them from ending up like the people in the commercials. And we&#39;ll make them very bad commercials; we&#39;ll make them very unsavoury situations,&quot; added President Trump.

The US President also called for greater access to treatment and praised American pharmaceutical companies that are making &quot;lifesaving overdose-reversing drugs&quot;.

The Trump administration is also calling for a national prescription-drug-monitoring database, where prescriptions can be tracked across the country. Each state has its own system and some share data. The administration also wants to cut opioid prescriptions by one-third nationwide.

&quot;The plan contains some important steps that will increase access to effective, evidence-based treatment, particularly Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction,&quot; Chuck Ingoglia, senior vice president for public policy and practice improvement at the National Council for Behavioral Health, said in a statement.

The opioid epidemic or opioid crisis is the rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in the United States and Canada beginning in the late 1990s and continuing throughout the first two decades of the 2000s.&nbsp;

Opioids are a diverse class of moderately strong painkillers, including oxycodone (commonly sold under the trade names OxyContin and Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and a very strong painkiller, fentanyl, which is synthesized to resemble other opiates such as opium-derived morphine and heroin.

(With inputs from ANI)

In a speech on opioid epidemic at New Hampshire, President Trump vowed to be 'extremely tough' on rampant drug crime in the country, adding that he would give 'death penalty' to the country's drug dealers

United States President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated that the building of US-Mexico border would help to stem the flow of illegal drugs, such as heroin and narcotics into the country. While speaking in Manchester, New Hampshire, which has been the primary city exposed to opioid deaths Trump came up with the decision to build the wall to "keep the damn drugs out" and has come up with numerous ways to fight the epidemic. "Eventually the Democrats will agree with us and we'll build the wall to keep the damn drugs out," he said. The drug overdose rose to 23 per cent in the city in the first two months of 2018, reports said. At the same time, the outlet reported that overdose deaths were down 27 percent. Trump said 90 percent of illicit drugs come into the United States via the Mexican border. In a speech on opioid epidemic at New Hampshire, President Trump vowed to be "extremely tough" on rampant drug crime in the country, adding that he would give 'death penalty' to the country's drug dealers. "If we don't get tough on drug dealers, we are wasting our time, and that toughness includes the death penalty. We have got to get tough. This isn't about nice anymore," he asserted. He spoke in front of a banner that read, "Opioids: The Crisis Next Door" and was flanked by law enforcement members. He vowed that his administration would be spending a lot of money on a public awareness campaign to prevent American youth from taking drugs. "That's the least expensive thing we can do, where you scare them from ending up like the people in the commercials. And we'll make them very bad commercials; we'll make them very unsavoury situations," added President Trump. The US President also called for greater access to treatment and praised American pharmaceutical companies that are making "lifesaving overdose-reversing drugs". The Trump administration is also calling for a national prescription-drug-monitoring database, where prescriptions can be tracked across the country. Each state has its own system and some share data. The administration also wants to cut opioid prescriptions by one-third nationwide. "The plan contains some important steps that will increase access to effective, evidence-based treatment, particularly Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction," Chuck Ingoglia, senior vice president for public policy and practice improvement at the National Council for Behavioral Health, said in a statement. The opioid epidemic or opioid crisis is the rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in the United States and Canada beginning in the late 1990s and continuing throughout the first two decades of the 2000s. Opioids are a diverse class of moderately strong painkillers, including oxycodone (commonly sold under the trade names OxyContin and Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and a very strong painkiller, fentanyl, which is synthesized to resemble other opiates such as opium-derived morphine and heroin. (With inputs from ANI)

Building US-Mexico border to 'keep the damn drugs out': Trump

us-mexico-border

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

us mexico-border

Mexico wall will be 'beautiful' and 'artistically designed', tweets Trump

Death of seven-year-old migrant girl in US custody sparks furor

Watch: Migrants jump US-Mexico border fence at night

Mexico calls for 'full investigation' of US tear gas at border

It's very safe: Trump defends use of tear gas on migrants who rushed border

'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border

News brief: Big stories of the day

News brief: Big stories of the day

Migrants rush border, US guards beat them back with tear gas

News brief: Big stories of the day

US soldiers bolster defence in Texas

Central Americans stalled at US-Mexico border, mull work offers

Watch: US military lays barbed wire at border as migrant caravan approaches

Trump pressures Mexico to stop migrant caravans

Pentagon could send thousands more troops to US-Mexico border: Official

Pentagon to send 'several hundred' troops to US-Mexico border: US official

Thousands of Central American migrants stranded on Mexican border

Migration over US-Mexico border 'reaching a moment of crisis': Mike Pompeo

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

Busloads of migrants from 'caravan' arrive at US-Mexico border

Mattis approves deployment of National Guard troops at US-Mexico border

Trump, stymied on wall, to send troops to US-Mexico border

Migrants at US-Mexico border say Trump's tough talk won't deter them

Building US-Mexico border to 'keep the damn drugs out': Trump