Trump warns Central-American nations of aid-suspension over entering US illegally
What's the story
Anyone entering the US illegally would be arrested, detained, and then deported, President Donald Trump warned as he threatened three Central American nations to halt a migrant caravan from heading to the US or lose millions of dollars in foreign aid. Trump's warning comes amidst reports that a new migrant caravan from Honduras comprising about 1,600 people is moving towards the US via Guatemala.
Information
Guatemala detained caravan's coordinator, others still advancing through Guatemala
The caravan, formed in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula on October 14, crossed into Guatemala on Monday. Guatemala detained one of its coordinators yesterday, but other members of the caravan are advancing through Guatemala with hopes of reaching the US border.
Twitter Post
Warning given to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador
We have today informed the countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador that if they allow their citizens, or others, to journey through their borders and up to the United States, with the intention of entering our country illegally, all payments made to them will STOP (END)!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2018
Aid
US collectively gave $538mn in foreign-aid to the three countries
In 2017, the US gave $248 million to Guatemala, $175 million to Honduras, and $115 million to El Salvador in foreign aid. Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted earlier, saying that he had spoken with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez and Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales. He said Trump's message to Honduras also applied to Guatemala. "No more aid if it's not stopped!" he tweeted.
Crucial timing
Caravan comes weeks ahead of midterm elections in US
The migrant caravan's emergence comes nearly six months after another caravan consisting largely of Honduran immigrants reached the US-Mexico border. Its formation also comes just weeks before the high-stakes midterm elections in the US, scheduled to be held in November. In Trump's campaign, many Republican candidates have been echoing his message of boosting border security and cracking down on illegal immigration.
Border wall
Trump has often pressed for a border wall with Mexico
Trump's been fiercely advocating building a border wall with Mexico to tighten the US's immigration controls. He believes the lack of border security poses a substantial threat to the "sovereignty and safety" of the US and its citizens. During his campaign, Trump tapped into the immigration concerns of many Americans who worry about loss of economic opportunities and threat of criminals entering the country.