U.S. President Joe Biden's administration announced on Thursday its intent to extend sections of the border wall, aiming to curb the surge in migrant crossings from Mexico—a policy reminiscent of former President Donald Trump.
Trump, a frontrunner for the Republican Party's nomination to challenge Biden, a Democrat, in the 2024 presidential race, had made constructing border barriers a central promise during his initial campaign, often rallying with the chant, "Build That Wall."
Members of the Texas National Guard try to dissuade migrants from climbing over the razor wire after they crossed the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S., September 29, 2023. /Reuters
One of Biden's initial actions upon assuming office in January 2021 was to issue a proclamation, vowing that "no more American taxpayer dollars would be redirected towards constructing a border wall," alongside a comprehensive review of previously committed resources.
The administration clarified that Thursday's move was in alignment with Biden's proclamation, as it involved utilizing funds allocated during Trump's term in 2019 that needed to be utilized now.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador vehemently rejected the U.S. plans to build new wall sections at the U.S.-Mexico border. His opposition was expressed just before high-level meetings with U.S. officials, expected to primarily address immigration and security concerns.
Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador holds his daily news conference, a day after Mexico's ruling party National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) announced the result of its poll to decide the party's presidential nomination for 2024, in Mexico City, Mexico, September 7, 2023. /Reuters
"This authorization for the construction of the wall is a step backwards," Lopez Obrador told a press conference ahead of talks in Mexico City with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior U.S. officials.
2024 marks a crucial presidential election year in both the United States and Mexico, and the resurgence of the border wall issue could significantly influence discourse on either side of the border.
Lopez Obrador blamed the extreme right of the Republican Party for pushing the administration of Biden, a Democrat, to approve construction of new sections of the wall.
Blinken said he had an "extremely positive, productive conversation" with Lopez Obrador, and expressed confidence that Mexico would help the U.S. on the opioid fentanyl, which is illicitly manufactured and a major cause of overdoses, according to U.S. health authorities.
(With input from agencies)