WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump warned Thursday that the US military could fire on Central American immigrants who would throw stones at the army while trying to enter the United States illegally.
At a time when many Central American "convoys" are on their way to the United States, Trump pointed out that some migrants had thrown stones "violently and violently" at Mexican troops as they crossed the border between Guatemala and Mexico.
"If they want to throw stones at our army, our army will respond," Trump said at the White House. He earlier threatened to send 15,000 troops to the border with Mexico.
"I told them (the soldiers) to consider it as a gun," Trump said, "If the migrants throw stones, as they did with the Mexican police and army, I would say: 'It's like a gun.'"
A Pentagon spokesman said he did not want to comment on "hypothetical cases." He explained that US forces are composed of "trained professionals who always have the basic right to self-defense."
A few days before the Nov. 6 election, Trump is intensifying his remarks, which are likely to rally voters, especially those on immigration.
Trump stressed on Thursday that it was an "invasion", pointing out that next week is expected to sign a decree on this subject, without giving further details.
Trump also said the United States would not accept a request for asylum by someone who did not pass through a formal border crossing.
He pointed out that migrants arrested at the border will be placed in tents or other facilities until deportation or acceptance of their applications.
