President Trump announced Wednesday morning the United States and Canada have reached a mutual agreement to close their shared border to non-essential travel.
We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
During the daily Wuhan coronavirus update from the White House Tuesday, President Trump previewed the move as a possibility. Canada closed its borders to non-citizens over the weekend.
"We are discussing things with Canada, and we’re discussing things with Mexico, quite honestly. And, again, the relationship is outstanding with both. Outstanding. We just signed our deal, the USMCA, and the relationship is very strong," Trump said.
Last night it was reported the administration is considering a plan to send back any person who illegally crosses the southern border back to Mexico.
The Trump administration is considering a plan to turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico, two administration officials said Tuesday, using powers they say the president has during pandemics like the coronavirus outbreak to mount what would be one of the most aggressive attempts to curtail illegal immigration.
The plan is under consideration and no final decisions have been made, according to the officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the plan hasn’t been announced.
The taskforce will hold another briefing at 11:30 am. President Trump says he has an announcement to make.
I will be having a news conference today to discuss very important news from the FDA concerning the Chinese Virus!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020