El Salvador has stepped up efforts to stop migrants en route to the United States by deploying approximately 800 police officers to its borders with Guatemala and Honduras.
The crackdown will begin Thursday at La Hachadura, the border crossing with Guatemala where migrants have attempted to cross in large caravans, Reuters reports.
Police will not be alone, however. Roughly 350 immigration officials will take part in the effort and review identification and travel documents for those attempting to cross.
BREAKING: El Salvador’s government is deploying 800+ police to its borders with Honduras and Guatemala in a bid to thwart U.S.-bound illegal alienshttps://t.co/rrbHwvq3wO
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) September 12, 2019
Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said after a White House meeting earlier this week there had been a significant decrease in U.S.-bound immigration through Mexico, especially from Central America, and he expected the trend to continue. (Reuters)
Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan traveled to El Salvador last month and met with President Bukele as well as a number of senior officials to discuss collaboration efforts on regional safety and security.
"I would like to thank President Bukele for his partnership and for hosting me for productive discussions that solidified our commitments to partner on strategies to address irregular migration and target gangs and human smugglers, together," McAleenan said in a statement last month.
The areas in which the countries hope to work together are "border security and law enforcement operations," "information sharing," "asylum and protection capacity" and "promoting investment in El Salvador," according to a Department of Homeland Security statement. (The Hill)
"We share an understanding that our collaborative work can be expanded to the benefit of both of our countries,” McAleenan added.
As some on Twitter noted, achieving results on the border will be a big benefit to Trump going into 2020.
TheTrump economy may be the least of the problems for Dems. El Salvador sends 800 police to its borders with Honduras and Guatemala, Also 350 immigration officials, U.S Supreme court backs immigration. 2020 may be a bumper sticker “It's about the border stupid” @realDonaldTrump
— Dan Celia (@financialissues) September 12, 2019