Mexicans rally against migrant caravan in border city

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Migrants from Central America hoping to get into the US have been met with angry protests in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, as hundreds of residents took to the streets on Sunday demanding the migrants leave.

Demonstrators waved Mexican flags and sang the national anthem, chanting "Out! Out!" as some 3,000 migrants fleeing Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador poured into the city in recent days.

Residents have complained about what they described as "chaos" and perceived dangers from the new arrivals.

Central American migrants rest inside a makeshift camp at the Benito Juarez sports center in Tijuana, Mexico, November 18, 2018. /VCG Photo

Many protesters fear if the US closes its border, following President Donald Trump's vow to keep the caravan out, the migrants could be stranded for months in their city as they wait for asylum approval in the US, straining public services.

Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum has called the influx an "avalanche" that could stay in the city for at least six months.

Some protesters reportedly said the Mexican government should follow Trump's lead and adopt tougher border policies. Others said they had previously disagreed with Trump on some issues – but not this one.

Migrants from Central America trying to reach the United States wait to receive food in a temporary shelter in Tijuana, Mexico, November 18, 2018. /VCG Photo

On Sunday, Trump tweeted about Tijuana saying the city was "ill-prepared" for the caravan.

Meanwhile, a smaller demonstration was held in support of the migrants.

(Top image: A demonstrator against the Central American migrants moving toward the United States and staying in Tijuana confronts riot police in Tijuana, Mexico, November 18, 2018. /VCG Photo)