DON: OK, I WON’T LET ANYONE IN!
He’ll shut ‘uncontrollable’ border
President Trump said Thursday that he would completely shut down the U.S.-Mexico border if immigration becomes “uncontrollable.”
Speaking to military members and reporters at Mar-aLago on Thanksgiving, Trump threatened to close the border if he believes Mexico is losing control of the migrant caravan slowly traveling north.
“If we find that it gets to a level where we’re going to lose control or people are going to start getting hurt, we will close entry into the country for a period of time until we can get it under control,” he said.
“The whole border. I mean the whole border,” he added.
Customs and Border Protection already ordered a temporary shutdown of northbound vehicle traffic Monday at San Ysidro, the busiest port of entry. The move was “prepare for the potential arrival of thousands of people migrating in a caravan heading toward the border of the United States,” the agency said.
Trump on Thursday acknowledged the closure — but didn’t mention that it’s a temporary move.
Secretary of State Pompeo followed Trump’s comments by confirming that “the caravans will not be permitted to enter the United States.”
“There are real dangers to the safety and human rights of migrants from those who would prey on them,” he said in a statement.
The President also confirmed Thursday he has authorized troops stationed at the border to “use lethal force” if necessary. “If they have to, they’re gonna use lethal force,” he said. “I’ve given the okay. If they have to. I hope they don’t have to.”
Defense Secretary James Mattis said Wednesday “there has been no call for any lethal force” from the Department of Homeland Security, and said troops would be equipped with shields and batons, but not firearms.
Trump again made the baseless claim that there are “serious criminals” and “rough criminals” among the thousands of migrants making their way through Mexico.
The migrant caravan was a major talking point for Republicans and the White House leading up to the midterm elections, but rhetoric died down after the votes were in.
The President spent Thanksgiving at his Florida golf resort, but also took time to thank members of the military for their service.
Asked what he was most thankful for, Trump said he’s grateful for himself.
“For having a great family and for having made a tremendous difference in this country,” he said, according to CNN. “I’ve made a tremendous difference in the country. This country is so much stronger now than it was when I took office that you wouldn’t believe it.”