An unverified video emerged online showing the migrant caravan breaking through a border fence. It is thought the migrants were then pushed back by police with pepper spray. Traffic was stopped at the border as the caravan approached the checkpoint. In another video captured in Mexico, hundreds of members of the caravan could be seen marching across a canal toward the border. Traffic in both directions has been suspended at the San Ysidro port of entry.
The Army was seen installing a metal barrier as a secondary line of defence against the migrants.
In front of the 6ft metal gates, riot police stood five deep.
Just in front of them a fire was seen raging.
As Mexican police in high visibility jackets and standard uniform walked towards migrants, they were shouted at from above as crowds gathered on a bridge near the crossing.
US military helicopters have been seen hovering over the Mexican side of the border.
Mr Trump has raised alarms about the caravan of migrants as it approached the United States, and has deployed military forces to the border to support the Border Patrol.
Earlier today the US President tweeted: “Would be very SMART if Mexico would stop the Caravans long before they get to our Southern Border, or if originating countries would not let them form (it is a way they get certain people out of their country and dump in US. No longer). Dems created this problem. No crossings!”
Moments after the US closed the border, Mr Trump tweeted quoting Brigadier General Anthony J Tata.
The President wrote: “General Anthony Tata: ‘President Trump is a man of his word and he said he was going to be tough on the Border, and he is tough on the Border.
“He has rightfully strengthened the Border in the face of an unprecedented threat. It’s the right move by President Trump.’ Thanks General!”
San Diego Customs and Border protection tweeted: “Southbound lanes into Mexico at the San Ysidro port of entry are currently closed.
“In addition, northbound vehicle traffic processing at San Ysidro is currently suspended.
“Pedestrian crossings at the San Ysidro port of entry are also suspended at both the East and West facility.”
Migrants were heard chanting “the town united will never be defeated” as many marched towards the border holding banners and placards attacking US President Donald Trump.
A number of the migrants tried to climb a railway siding in order to gain access into the US via the mountains.
The group mostly consisted of men, although some women were seen with small children.
The Mayor of Tijuana said: “I will not allow our bilateral relationship to be fractured by the bad actions of the migrant caravan.
“They’re doing things outside of the law.
“We are affected at the border crossing.
“Many Tijuanans work, study, and visit the United States in healthy peace.”
Donald Trump has authorised the use of lethal force against migrants.
Tijuana, which is on the north-western tip of Mexico, has declared a crisis, after about 5,000 migrants camped out in an overcrowded stadium in the city.
On Thursday the city’s mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum, said the city was facing a humanitarian crisis costing them more than £19,000 a day (500,000 pesos).
The migrant caravan comprises of citizens from central American. Many are Hondurans fleeing violence and poverty.
More to follow…