President-elect Donald Trump has issued a strong warning regarding a massive migrant caravan heading toward the U.S. border, pledging immediate action upon taking office.
Trump announced plans Monday to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada unless both countries address the “invasion” of illegal migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.
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“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump said in a statement. “Right now, a caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently open border. On January 20th, I will sign all necessary documents to impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from Mexico and Canada. This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, especially fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Trump emphasized that both Mexico and Canada have the “absolute right and power” to solve the issue and stated that they will face significant economic consequences until they act.
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The caravan, reportedly consisting of 1,500 individuals from Central and South America, is making its way through Mexico toward the U.S. border. Many in the caravan are seeking asylum, citing violence and instability in their home countries.
According to immigration attorney Raed Gonzalez, traveling in large groups offers a degree of safety from cartels and criminal activity, though it does not eliminate all risks.
Texas officials have voiced support for Trump’s proposed policies. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced new border wall construction in the Rio Grande Valley and proposed using Starr County Ranch as a deportation facility.
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“We’re happy to offer this land to the Trump administration for building deportation facilities,” Buckingham said. “We have violent criminals we need to round up and get the heck out of this country.”
While Trump’s plans have drawn praise from his supporters, critics question their feasibility. Gonzalez expressed skepticism about the practicality of mass deportations and the expansion of immigration detention facilities.
“Deporting 12 million people at once is nearly impossible,” Gonzalez said. “We already have detention centers that can be used more efficiently without building new ones.”
The incoming Trump administration plans to dramatically reshape immigration policy with a combination of tariffs, expanded detention facilities, and stricter border enforcement.
As inauguration day approaches, the migrant caravan underscores the urgency and controversy surrounding U.S. immigration policy.
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