WASHINGTON, D.C. (KGTV) - President Trump addressed questions Tuesday about a possible closure of the U.S.-Mexico border, saying “I’m totally prepared to do it.”
Speaking at a White House news conference, Trump called on Congress to make a deal and the Mexican government to stop immigrants from entering Mexico. Trump suggested Mexico had stepped up its efforts to keep Central American migrants from moving north in the past two days.
The president also demanded change in what he described as "the worst, dumbest immigration system in the world."
“We need to get rid of chain migration, we need to get rid of catch and release, and visa lottery, and we have to do something about asylum, and to be honest with you, we have to get rid of judges,” said Trump.
Closing the border would have a severe impact to the U.S. economy, especially in border cities like San Diego. The flow of goods, including avocados and cars, would be disrupted, along with manufacturing supply lines.
The Council of Economic Advisers was conducting studies on the potential impact of a border closure and "working with the president to give him those options," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.
When asked about the economic impact of a border shutdown, Trump said, “To me trading is very important the borders are very important but security is what - the most important.”
Trump also left open the possibility of closing sections of the southern border instead of the entire border. There was no immediate word on which areas would be affected.
The president is scheduled to visit the southwestern U.S. Friday, including Calexico.
Watch Trump's news conference:
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
