Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray in a statement said Mexico “cannot remain indifferent in the face of something that clearly represents a violation of human rights." | Moises Castillo/AP Photo Mexican foreign minister calls U.S. family separations 'cruel and inhumane'

Mexico's foreign minister on Tuesday slammed as "cruel and inhumane" a U.S. policy that has resulted in the separation of children from their parents after entering the U.S. illegally.

Speaking on behalf of the Mexican government, Luis Videgaray condemned the policy of prosecuting everyone who crosses the border illegally, a Trump administration change that has led to the separation of families. The "zero tolerance" policy has garnered sharp criticism over the past week. Photos released by the government of children in detention centers near the country’s southern border stoked outrage, showing young children behind chain-link fences and using foil blankets.


Videgaray said Mexico “cannot remain indifferent in the face of something that clearly represents a violation of human rights,” according to a statement from the Mexican Embassy. Mexico does not promote illegal migration, Videgaray added.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday during a speech before the National Federation of Independent Business that his administration was cracking down on trafficking. He also has called on Democrats to help him find an immigration solution, though it was his administration's policy change that led to the family separations.

“This is the only solution to the border crisis. We have to stop child smuggling. This is the way to do it. Ultimately, we have to have a real border,” Trump said.

“We need Democrats' votes to get it fixed. The smugglers know these rules and regulations better than the people that drew them,” he added.