TIJUANA, Mexico, Nov. 25 (UPI) — The United States closed the San Isidro Point of Entry on the California-Mexico border Sunday, as thousands of migrants traveling in a caravan from Central America arrived.
The migrants were waiting to cross the border when U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced via loudspeaker that the port of entry was closed.
Pandemonium ensued, with many migrants storming through downtown Tijuana, looking for another way over the border. Thousands more people who were marching in support of the caravan added to the confusion in the crowds.
Mexican authorities were overwhelmed. U.S. Navy and CBP helicopters flew overhead.
One migrant reported tear gas being thrown by U.S. authorities; wisps of smoke were visible.
Marchers also demonstrated in support of the migrants on the U.S. side of the border, where all southbound lanes into Mexico were closed to vehicles and pedestrians, NBC San Diego reported.
Many in the migrant caravan were parents and children.
The United States said earlier this month it would close northbound border crossings near Tijuana in advance of the caravan’s arrival and President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to close the borders.
Nearly 6,000 U.S. troops have been deployed to the Mexico border.
