Trump threatens to 'permanently' close the U.S. border with Mexico

(Image credit: Getty Images)

After some migrants tried to break through fencing at the U.S. border with Mexico, President Trump is threatening a permanent shutdown.

Trump tweeted Monday morning that Mexico must send the migrants, many of whom he claims are "stone cold criminals," back to their home countries. If not, "we will close the Border permanently if need be." Trump also urged Congress to "fund the WALL!" The president has previously suggested he might shut down the government to secure funding for his border wall.

This tweet comes after United States Customs and Border Protection officers on Sunday fired tear gas at hundreds of migrants seeking to enter the United States. The border crossing was shut down for hours, per The New York Times. Border patrol says several of the migrants threw rocks at them. Many of the Central American migrants attempting to enter the U.S. are fleeing violence. Some of those who tried to cross illegally Sunday say they did so after being denied access at the port of entry where they were hoping to claim asylum, per NBC News.

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Experts told The Washington Post there is no known provision allowing Trump to permanently close the border.

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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.