President Trump is considering building a “tent city” along the southern border as a possible solution to the approaching migrant caravan.
During an interview on Monday, the president explained the tents would be used to hold migrants who have applied for asylum while they wait for their case to go to trial. He added, very few asylum applications are actually approved and those whose applications are rejected will be deported from the country.
President Trump went on to blast the Obama administration for following a ‘catch and release’ policy, stressing how that will not happen under his watch.
Children wait for a ride on the side of the road, as a caravan of Central Americans continues its slow march toward the U.S. border, near Tapanatepec, Mexico, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Thousands of migrants traveling together for safety resumed their journey after taking a rest day Sunday, while hundreds more migrants were pushing for entry to Mexico. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
In order to accomplish this, the president is sending thousands of military troops to secure the border.
“This caravan that’s coming up is not getting through. It’s — no way it’s getting through. And, in fact, I called up the United States military to make sure. People are not going to come through in the caravan. They are going to apply, and they have to come through legally. And we want a merit system, not this ridiculous system that we have. Merit.” — President Donald Trump
Defense Secretary James Mattis had originally approved sending around 800 service members to the border, however, that number has since grown to over 5,000.
Around 800 soldiers from bases in Kentucky are on their way to Texas to help secure the border as the migrant caravans march closer to the U.S. The soldiers are part of the 5,200 active duty troops of ‘Operation Faithful Patriot,’ which will be deployed to Texas, Arizona and California.
Air Force General Terrance O’Shaughnessy announced the U.S. will send the remaining service members and weapons by the end of the week.
This comes after police in Mexico clashed with migrants, leaving one dead after the group attempted to enter Mexico from Guatemala.
O’Shaughnessy said the military will work to maintain immigration policies set by the commander-in-chief.
In the meantime, President Trump has not elaborated on his proposed tent city, but he added it will be “very nice” and will cost less than building more permanent structures.
A new group of Central American migrants wade in mass across the Suchiate River, that connects Guatemala and Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The first group was able to cross the river on rafts — an option now blocked by Mexican Navy river and shore patrols. (AP Photo/Santiago Billy)
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UPDATED 6:29 AM PT — Tues. Oct. 30, 2018
