President Trump inflated the number of migrants who are part of a caravan traveling through Mexico headed to the U.S.
“A very big Caravan of over 20,000 people started up through Mexico,” Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. “It has been reduced in size by Mexico but is still coming. Mexico must apprehend the remainder or we will be forced to close that section of the Border & call up the Military. The Coyotes & Cartels have weapons!”
A very big Caravan of over 20,000 people started up through Mexico. It has been reduced in size by Mexico but is still coming. Mexico must apprehend the remainder or we will be forced to close that section of the Border & call up the Military. The Coyotes & Cartels have weapons!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 24, 2019
Trump appeared to double the number of migrants that have joined the caravan, which now is composed of approximately 10,000 migrants. Mexico’s Interior Secretary Olga Sanchez Cordero predicted approximately 20,000 migrants would be part of the caravan by March 29, days after the caravan formed the last week in March.
Sanchez has called the migrant group "caravana madre," prompting those in American media to call it the “mother of all caravans.” According to local media reports, the caravan is expected to arrive in Mexico City later this week.
The caravan reportedly includes members from Central America, along with people from Cuba, Haiti, and Africa.
In Mexico, the Human Rights Commission claims it is aiding the federal government to prepare for the caravan’s arrival in Mexico City. They will likely be held at the Magdalena, the 1968 Olympics sports stadium.
[Read more: Jared Kushner ready to deliver immigration plan in coming days]