Trump threatens to shoot migrants

WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump on Thursday (Friday in Manila) warned that soldiers deployed to the Mexican border could shoot Central American migrants who throw stones at them while attempting to cross illegally.

Trump told journalists at the White House that a group of several thousand migrants walking through Mexico towards the US border had thrown rocks “viciously and violently” at Mexican police.

“We’re not going to put up with that. They want to throw rocks at

back,” he said.

“I told them (troops) consider it ( a rock) a rifle. When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexican military and police, I say

Trump spoke during a presentation of his controversial policy on cracking down against what he says is uncontrolled illegal immigration.

Contacted for comment, Army Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis, Pentagon spokesman, said the military would not discuss hypothetical situations on the use of force “but our forces are trained professionals who always have the inherent right of self-defense.”

“I would also emphasize that our forces are in support of DHS/ CBP, who are performing law enforcement activities,” he added, referring to the frontline Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection.

Trump has ramped up the rhetoric daily ahead of next Tuesday’s midterm congressional elections, accusing the opposition Democrats of wanting to

of “tough people,” “rapists” and