President Donald Trump has eagerly inspected eight towering prototypes for his long-sought wall at the US-Mexico border and accused California of putting "the entire nation at risk" by refusing to take tough action against illegal immigration.
Trump, making his first trip to California as president, said he preferred a fully concrete wall because it was the hardest to climb, but he noted that it needed to be see-through. He said the first thing he noticed on the drive to the border was the patched-up holes in part of the existing fence.
"We have a lousy wall over here now, but at least it stops 90, 95 per cent," Trump said.
"When we put up the real wall, we're going to stop 99 per cent. Maybe more than that."
"That's what exactly is happening. The criminals take refuge in these sanctuary cities and it's very dangerous for our police and enforcement folks."
A few hundred protesters for and against Trump faced off at a Beverly Hills park. A group of pro-immigration demonstrators chanted, "Say it now, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here."
San Diego's Republican mayor criticized Trump's short visit, saying the president wouldn't get a full picture of the city. Kevin Faulconer said a popular cross-border airport terminal connecting San Diego and Tijuana shows that "building bridges has worked wonders."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content