Photo credit: @AlejandroTamayo (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Twitter

Federal officials announced today that certain members of the Central American migrant ‘caravan’ mentioned by President Donald Trump as the reason for sending the National Guard to the border have been able to enter the US illegally already.

Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott: “Individuals of the ‘caravan’ seeking asylum or other similar claims should seek protection in the first safe country they enter, including Mexico.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">'Caravan' asylum-seekers to test Trump immigration rhetoric today at San Diego border crossing <a href="https://t.co/S0KTU2mvBF">https://t.co/S0KTU2mvBF</a> <a href="https://t.co/vDs43Vu0zc">pic.twitter.com/vDs43Vu0zc</a></p>— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashTimes/status/990562352692068352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2018</a></blockquote>

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Although the number of those of the group that have already crossed illegally was unknown, the Border Patrol stated that people were seen crossing over a dilapidated scrap metal border fence on either side of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, a place “notorious for human and drug smuggling.”

Related coverage: http://thegoldwater.com/news/24455-San-Diego-Migrant-Caravan-Trump-Mentioned-Arrives-At-Tijuana-Preparing-To-Cross-Border-Video

Mr. Scott claimed: “To anyone that is associated with this caravan, think before you act.”

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">People scale border fence in Tijuana as migrant caravan prepares to seek asylum in U.S. <a href="https://t.co/usIX6vNlW3">https://t.co/usIX6vNlW3</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vas2CdwcTw">pic.twitter.com/Vas2CdwcTw</a></p>— #NBC7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsandiego/status/990637969924153344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2018</a></blockquote>

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“If anyone has encouraged you to illegally enter the United States, or make any false statements to U.S. government officials, they are giving you bad advice and they are placing you and your family at risk.”

Related coverage: https://thegoldwater.com/news/22578-Mexico-US-Ambassador-Summoned-Over-Trump-Caravan-Remarks

Those that have not yet crossed illegally are largely expected to ask for asylum. They are a group of about 400 participants of the infamous ‘caravan’ that once swelled to more than 1,700 members, according to organizers.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m at the border between San Diego and Tijuana where supporters of the immigrant caravan have gathered to greet immigrants before they claim asylum at the port of entry <a href="https://t.co/y3AnYMkTZU">pic.twitter.com/y3AnYMkTZU</a></p>— Max RN (@MaxRivlinNadler) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxRivlinNadler/status/990636556909084672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2018</a></blockquote>

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Ms Irineo Mujica, leader of the Pueblo Sin Fronteras Caravan that helped the group arrive at the border, said: “This is not ideal for us to have this many people, this much publicity,” whilst adding that “it’s been really really good that we are able to see what is the problem.”

Some 80 ‘caravan’ supporters had installed themselves just north of the border at Friendship Park whilst an anti-caravan group, called San Diegans for Secure Borders, are expected to stage a protest later on Sunday.

Source:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/sd-me-caravan-crossers-20180428-story.html