The departments of State and Homeland Security should brief the Senate Judiciary Committee on the security risks posed by the caravan of Central American migrants heading toward the US border, Chairman Chuck Grassley said in a press release on Thursday.
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 01st November, 2018) The departments of State and Homeland Security should brief the Senate Judiciary Committee on the security risks posed by the caravan of Central American migrants heading toward the US border, Chairman Chuck Grassley said in a press release on Thursday."As the first caravan is reportedly 1-2 days from the United States, it is important that the Committee is briefed on details on the makeup of the caravan including any potential national security threats that reportedly exist among the members," the release said.
The first caravan of illegal migrants set out from Honduras in the direction of Mexico and the United States on October 13, in the hopes of obtaining asylum in these countries. According to UN estimates, the caravan initially included more than 7,000 migrants, but its numbers have reportedly dwindled in recent days. At least three smaller caravans are reportedly also making their way toward the border.
Grassley said his office has obtained information that some members of the caravan have criminal backgrounds and membership in the MS-13 gang. He also noted that DHS reported that violence erupted between the first caravan of migrants and Mexican police at that country's southern border.
President Donald Trump has called the caravan a threat and has warned that criminals could seek to hide within its ranks in order to enter the United States.
