Washington: US President Donald Trump has warned that tariffs on Mexico could be doubled with immediate effect unless the country takes action to stop large groups of migrants heading towards the US border.
The threat has further intensified tensions between Washington and Mexico following the recent US midterm elections.
In a strongly worded message on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump alleged that a fresh “invasion” was taking shape, claiming that large migrant caravans were gathering and travelling through Mexican territory towards the United States.
He also reiterated that he was not a candidate in the November 3 midterm elections, repeating his argument following major Republican losses in the polls.
The warning came a day after more than 1,000 migrants began travelling north through southern Mexico. According to a Reuters report, the group, comprising approximately 1,500 people, departed from Tapachula, a town near the Guatemalan border, and was heading towards Mexico City.
Trump’s latest statement links the movement of migrants through Mexico to a potential increase in trade tariffs, putting additional pressure on the neighbouring country to prevent the caravans from reaching the US border.
