More than 50 members of the so-called migrant caravan are now being evaluated for asylum by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in San Ysidro, according to media reports from Tijuana.
NBC News said Pueblo sin Fronteras, the aid group organizing the annual event, is reporting that 53 migrants had been processed as of Wednesday. Reuters put the number at over 60. However, there was no confirmation from federal officials.
The caravan has been criticized by President Trump, and on Wednesday Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said that to prevent authorities from being “overwhelmed” he was sending 35 additional assistant U.S. attorneys and 18 immigration judges to the border.
“We are sending a message worldwide: Don’t come illegally. Make your claim to enter America in the lawful way and wait your turn,” Sessions said.
The migrants fleeing violence in Central America number approximately 300 and have gathered at the world’s busiest border crossing, which handles nearly 100,000 entries a day.
The United States is required to recognize valid claims for asylum under international law, but administration officials have suggested the migrants should seek asylum in Mexico or nearby countries
“The migrant ‘caravan’ that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are,” Trump tweeted on Monday.