US 'closely' following migrant caravan - Pompeo

WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo affirmed Sunday that the US is "closely" following the migrant caravan, in which thousands of migrants from Honduras and other countries "continue to make a dangerous journey through Guatemala and into Mexico." In a statement, Pompeo noted that many migrants are "attempting to transit these countries and in the process are violating their sovereignty, their laws, and their procedures." "As President Trump has stated, consistent with US law, the United States will not allow illegal immigrants to enter or remain in the United States," he reiterated.
He voiced concern that these migrants "may be victimized by human smugglers or others who would exploit them." "We also are deeply concerned by the violence provoked by some members of the group, as well as the apparent political motivation of some organizers of the caravan," he noted.
He welcomed the Government of Mexico's collaboration with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) "to address refugee and migration issues in the region, including the influx of people arriving in Mexico." He affirmed that the US "stands ready to assist the Government of Mexico in this effort." Trump tweeted earlier Sunday that "full efforts are being made to stop the onslaught of illegal aliens from crossing our Southern Border." He stressed "people have to apply for asylum in Mexico first, and if they fail to do that, the US will turn them away." (end) si.gta