STORY: President Joe Biden’s administration on Thursday said it will add sections to a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border… amid a record number of migrant crossings.
It’s a reversal that embraces a signature policy of former President Donald Trump, who made building “the wall” a central tenet of his first campaign for president.
Biden told reporters it was out of his hands.
“I tried to get them to re-appropriate to redirect that money. They didn’t. They wouldn’t. And in the meantime, there’s nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what is appropriate. I can’t stop that.”
But when asked if he thought the border wall worked, he responded:
BIDEN: “No”
Later, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre wouldn’t specify what law, exactly, the administration would be breaking if they didn’t use the funds.
“This is a law that we are complying with.”
Trump was quick to claim victory, and demanded an apology on his Truth Social platform, writing:
“Will Joe Biden apologize to me and America for taking so long to get moving… I will await his apology!”
Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized the decision.
“This authorization for the construction of the wall is a step backwards. That does not solve the problem, that does not solve the problem. We have to address the causes.”
The Biden administration has been struggling operationally and politically with a record number of migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border during Biden’s term with new highs hit in September.
Migrant numbers initially plummeted after a new, tougher rule was put in place after Title 42 expired in May but in recent weeks, numbers have begun rising again, straining U.S. cities at the border and farther north.
“It is not just sustainable this flow.”
During a visit to Mexico City on Thursday — part of tour through Latin America — New York City Mayor Eric Adams said his city cannot accommodate any more migrants.
“…we’re at capacity and many people believe when you enter New York City you’re going to automatically have a job, you’re automatically going to be living in a hotel and this it’s just a climate that’s there but it’s not a reality.”
According to Adams, more than 100,000 migrants have arrived in New York City since last spring, which he says has resulted in $12 billion in additional city spending.
This post was modified on 2023-10-05 23:53:07