Threatening drastic action against Mexico, President Donald Trump declared he is likely to shut down America's southern border next week unless Mexican authorities immediately halt all illegal immigration.
Such a severe move could hit the economies of both countries, but the president emphasised, "I am not kidding around."
"We will close it for a long time."
Trump tweeted Friday morning, "If Mexico doesn't immediately stop ALL illegal immigration coming into the United States through our Southern Border, I will be CLOSING the Border, or large sections of the Border, next week."
He didn't qualify his threat with "or large sections," stating: "There is a very good likelihood I'll be closing the border next week, and that is just fine with me."
He said several times that it would be "so easy" for Mexican authorities to stop immigrants passing through their country and trying to enter the US illegally, "but they just take our money and 'talk.'"
"So it's on the table, but what we're doing is a very structured process based on operational needs."
He added: "We are going to continue helping so that the migratory flow, those who pass through our country, do so according to the law, in an orderly way."
"It's a horrible situation. But Mexico could stop it."
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