Mexican President Hails Biden’s Border Wall Freeze

Mexican President Hails Biden’s Border Wall Freeze
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador attends the 108th anniversary of the epic military feat known as "March of Loyalty", after he faced a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection at the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, Mexico on Feb. 9, 2021. Edgard Garrido/File Photo/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

MEXICO CITY—President Joe Biden’s decision to stop new construction of his predecessor’s signature wall on the border with Mexico received a vote of confidence from his Mexican counterpart on Friday.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters at his regular morning news conference that he supports Biden’s executive order, one of his first actions on becoming U.S. president.

“We think it’s good that they don’t build any more walls,” said Lopez Obrador, noting that several past U.S. presidents have extended border barriers during their terms.

Lopez Obrador also urged U.S.-bound migrants to hold back from seeking to cross illegally just because of the change in presidents.

“The border is not wide open,” he said.

The U.S. government next week will begin to process asylum seekers forced to wait in Mexico under a program put in place by former President Donald Trump, officials said.

By David Alire Garcia