DHS ‘can confirm’: Gang members, criminals are in the caravan

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The Department of Homeland Security on Thursday defended claims by President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that violent criminals are a component of the Honduran caravan making its way through Mexico toward the U.S., after reporters at the White House questioned how they know that.

“@DHSgov can confirm that there are individuals within the caravan who are gang members or have significant criminal histories,” DHS spokesman Tyler Houlton wrote in a series of tweets Tuesday evening.

“Citizens of countries outside Central America, including countries in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and elsewhere are currently traveling through Mexico toward the U.S.,” he said.

[Rep. Andy Biggs: Look at the caravan’s actions, and you’ll see their wicked intent]


In the White House, Trump said he had “very good information” about the makeup of the caravan, but acknowledged there is no “proof” criminals are a component. Pence said it was “inconceivable” that criminals weren’t part of the caravan.

The caravan of approximately 7,000 people originated in Honduras Oct. 13. Since then, it has dramatically grown, jumping to 2,000 by the time the group arrived in Guatemala.

Mexico has asked the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to intervene last week and process asylum applicants. Although the migrants have said their intended destination is the U.S., the international organization had been in talks about assisting Mexico with the flood of people trying to pass through.

Earlier this week, members of the group overwhelmed Mexican security forces and poured over the border into the country.

“Stopping the caravan is not just about national security or preventing crime, it is also about national sovereignty and the rule of law. Those who seek to come to America must do so the right and legal way,” Houlton said.

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