Yesterday, U.S. border agents used teargas on migrants approaching the border in Tijuana; according to U.S. authorities, rocks were thrown at agents. The morning after the unrest, President Trump fanned the flames with his pro forma provocation: 

Mexico should move the flag waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the U.S.A. We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!

Trump does not have the legal authority to unilaterally close the border, and immigrants have the right to seek asylum under U.S. law. But Trump is likely itching for a legal fight; here’s Greg Sargent in the Washington Post on how Trump might test the scope of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the travel ban.

Advertisement

Among those who had teargas shot at them were small children, including toddlers; disturbing photographs have rapidly circulated of children choking or running from teargas.

Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, made the following statement on social media:

Advertisement

Shooting tear gas at children is not who we are as Americans. Seeking asylum is not a crime. We must be better than this.

And here’s newly elected California Gov. Gavin Newsom:

These children are barefoot. In diapers. Choking on tear gas. Women and children who left their lives behind — seeking peace and asylum — were met with violence and fear. That’s not my America. We’re a land of refuge. Of hope. Of freedom. And we will not stand for this.

This is a complicated humanitarian crisis with no easy answers — and a highly volatile situation with the safety of children and families fleeing desperate situations at stake. For Trump, it’s merely a political opportunity to gin up his base. 

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Temporary changes to four polling locations for mayoral runoff Dec. 4 Next article Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against racially charged ad