The US President warned Mexico must stop large groups of migrants from reaching the southern border to avoid immediate tariff increases.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to immediately double tariffs on Mexico if the country fails to stop migrant caravans from reaching the American border, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle, New York Post and India Today.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump claimed that an "invasion" is taking place following the Republicans' losses in the midterm elections. He stated that huge caravans are forming and beginning an illegal march through Mexico.
The President warned that Mexico must stop the movement now and that there will be no leniency. He noted that the Governor of Texas, the US Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been informed.
The latest caravan, which includes families and children, reportedly left Tapachula near the Guatemala border on Tuesday. While some reports estimate the group at nearly 2,000 people, others suggest the number is approximately 1,500.
Migrants in the group expressed hope that the Democratic gains in the midterm elections would lead to more favourable immigration policies and opportunities in the United States. One migrant, Cesar Sandoval, told AFP that he hoped for another chance to enter the country.
The threat comes as the US and Mexico manage disputes over trade and security. The White House has previously imposed 25 per cent national security tariffs on Mexican-made autos and 50 per cent rates on steel and aluminium products from Mexico.
