Trump views border wall designs, bashes California on immigration

Met by peaceful protests on trip

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO — President Donald Trump on Tuesday eagerly inspected eight towering prototypes for his longsought wall at the U.S.-Mexico border and accused California of putting “the entire nation at risk” by refusing to take tough action against illegal immigration.

Mr. Trump, making his first trip to California as president, said he preferred a fully concrete wall because it was the hardest to climb, but he noted that it needed to be see-through. He said the first thing he noticed on the drive to the border was the patched-up holes in part of the existing fence.

“We have a lousy wall over here now, but at least it stops 90, 95 percent,” Mr. Trump said. “When we put up the real wall, we’re going to stop 99 percent. Maybe more than that.”

Mr. Trump’s visit was greeted with peaceful protests by demonstrators both for and against his planned wall. The trip 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 renewed his criticism of Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, saying Tuesday that he was presiding over sky-high tax rates and that the state’s sanctuary policies “put the entire nation at risk.”

“They’re the best friend of the criminal,” Mr. 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.”

The Justice Department last week sued to block a trio of California laws designed to protect people living in the U.S. illegally. Mr. Brown accused U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions of “going to war” with California to appease Mr. Trump.

After leaving the border, Mr. 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 Mr. 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.

Mr. Trump later attended a high-dollar fundraiser near Los Angeles, where he’ll stay overnight. Guests paid up to $250,000 to attend the event at the Beverly Hills home of Ed Glazer, co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The money raised will go to a joint fundraising committee that benefits Mr. Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee.

Carla Provost, acting Border Patrol chief, said Mr. Trump “walked away with great understanding of the requirements we have on the border.” She and other agents briefed the president on beefed-up security in California, Arizona and Texas over the years and cautioned that any changes need to preserve the ability to see what’s happening on the other side. Ms. Provost said Congress has so far funded 40 miles of replacement wall — 14 miles in San Diego, 2 miles in Calexico, California, and 24 miles in El Paso, Texas.