Vice President Mike Pence’s comments came after critics suggested the new deal didn’t accomplish much. | Matt Rourke/AP Photo White House Pence on immigration: ‘Time for Congress to step up!’

Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday commended President Donald Trump for striking a deal with Mexico over tariffs and immigration, but called out lawmakers by saying that “now it’s time for Congress to step up.”

“[email protected]’ strong stand got Mexico to do things they have never done before: 6,000 National Guard at their southern border, immigration checkpoints throughout Mexico & allow ALL illegal immigrants from Central America to remain in Mexico pending their asylum claims,” Pence wrote on Twitter.


“[email protected] got Mexico to step up... Now it’s time for Congress to step up!” Pence continued. “The American people want Congress to work with this Administration to reform our asylum laws, secure our border, and fix this broken immigration system once and for all! Let’s get it done!”

This past week, Mexico agreed to send 6,000 troops to its southern border with Guatemala, and the Trump administration dropped its threat to impose a 5 percent tariff on all exports. Trump’s tariff threat was made as a demand that Mexico curb the tide of migrants headed to the U.S-Mexico border.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump had defended his new agreement with Mexico, tweeting that there was more to it than what was announced. Pence’s comments came after critics suggested the new deal didn’t accomplish much.