Troops were given the go-ahead to ‘perform those military protective activities…’
Wednesday Neon Nettle reported President Donald Trump had authorized troops assigned at the border to force if necessary ahead of the migrant caravan arrival.
The troops were given the go-ahead to “perform those military protective activities that the Secretary of Defense determines are reasonably necessary.”
But according to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump has also signed an order to close the U.S. border with Mexico, stating that he had approved the lethal force against migrants by Troops who endeavor to enter the U.S.
“If they have to,” Trump said, claiming that at least 500 criminals are amongst the caravan.
“So I’m not going to let the military be taken advantage of. I have no choice. Do I want that to happen? Absolutely not. But you’re dealing with rough people.”
[RELATED] Thousands of Caravan Migrants Planning to ‘Stampede’ US Border, Aid Group Warns
Trump also said that he would embrace a partial shutdown of the government to strengthen “border security.”
The President signed the order two days ago adding that t “I’ve already shut down parts of the border” suggesting that the whole border may be shut if opposition with migrants intensifies, according to Bloomberg.
“If we find that it’s uncontrollable,” he said.
“If we find that it gets to a level where we are going to lose control or people are going to start getting hurt, we will close entry into the country for a period until we can get it under control.”
“The whole border,” he added.
“I mean the whole border. And Mexico will not be able to sell their cars into the United States where they make so many cars at great benefit to them, not at great benefit to us.”
The White House still has yet to disclose further details that would make Trump’s complete directive clear.
The President ordered the military to reinforce the southern border just before the midterm elections, warning voters about the “caravan” of migrants traveling from Central America to the U.S.
Congress will return for its post-election “lame duck” session next week, which a top priority will be to approve full fiscal 2019 spending plans for several agencies, the IRS, National Park Service and the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump has warned he will veto spending bills if Congress maintains its stance on refusing to fund the wall.
But with the Democrats set to take the house in January, the president could overpower the issue in the lame-duck session.