Trump inspects border wall designs; prefers concrete but wants see-through
SAN DIEGO — President Donald Trump got his chance Tuesday to inspect prototypes for the “big beautiful border wall” he wants to build to separate the U.S. from Mexico, saying strengthening the border would help stop “99 percent” of illegal immigration — or, he allowed, “maybe more than that.”
The president, making his first trip to California as president, appeared engaged as he was briefed on eight border wall designs. He said he preferred a fully concrete wall because it was the hardest to climb, but he noted it needed to be see-through.
Trump said the first thing he noticed on the drive to view the prototypes was the patched-up holes in part of the existing fence at the border. “We have a lousy wall over here now, but at least it stops 90, 95 percent,” Trump said. “When we put up the real wall, we’re going to stop 99 percent. Maybe more than that.”
Trump’s visit was greeted with peaceful protests by demonstrators both for and against his planned wall. The trip also came amid an escalating battle between his administration and the liberal state, which has refused to help federal agents detain immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
The president said Tuesday the state’s sanctuary policies “put the entire nation at risk.” His Justice Department sued California last week over a trio of the state’s immigration laws.
“They’re the best friend of the criminal,” Trump said. “That’s what exactly is happening. The criminals take refuge in these sanctuary cities and it’s very dangerous for our police and enforcement folks.”
After leaving the border, Trump basked in the cheers of U.S. Marines in Miramar, pointing to his work to build up the nation’s military. He also suggested there may someday be a “space force” fighting alongside the nation’s military branches.
Referencing his 2016 campaign showdown against Hillary Clinton -who received 4 million more votes than Trump in California -- the president vowed that “very soon we’re going to Mars” and the nation would not be seeking to explore the red planet had his opponent won.