US/Mexico Border Tensions Escalate, Major Border Crossing Closed

New reports of border tensions led to the closure of a major border crossing yesterday.  Expect President Trump to make a statement about the Central American “caravan” in coming days.

Sarah Kinosian and Joshua Partlow for the Washington Post report that

“U.S. authorities closed off the busiest port of entry along the U.S. border with Mexico on Sunday and fired tear gas at members of a Central American migrant caravan who had rushed the fencing that separates the countries. Although the number of people at the border was relatively small, the unrest — with migrants attempting to climb fences and run through car lanes to reach the United States, and scenes of mothers and children choking on tear gas — represented a serious escalation of the crisis.” (emphasis added).

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who, according to rumors, might soon be replaced, tweeted the following about developments on the border: 

Today @CBP personnel were struck by projectiles thrown by caravan members. Such actions are dangerous & not consistent w peacefully seeking asylum. The perpetrators will be prosecuted. I will continue to aggressively support DHS personnel as they work to safely secure our border.

— Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) November 26, 2018

#CBP along with other #DHS, federal, state & local law enforcement, & the @DeptofDefense, have a robust presence along the SW Border and at our POEs. We remain in close contact with Mexican authorities and are committed to resolving this situation safely in concert with them.

— Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) November 26, 2018

 

KJ