Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico if migrant caravans not stopped

President Donald Trump is using his tariff leverage to urge Mexico to stop a migrant caravan from reaching the U.S. southern border.

"Huge CARAVANS are forming and beginning their illegal march through Mexico," Trump wrote in a Thursday morning Truth Social post. "Many of the people in these Caravans are those that various countries don’t want - ‘Send them to America,’ they say - But they will not be accepted! 

"MEXICO MUST STOP THEM, NOW, and if they do not do so, the Tariffs on Mexico will be IMMEDIATELY DOUBLED," he added. "MEXICO, THE GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, THE VERY LIBERAL NEW GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, OUR GREAT BORDER PATROL, & ICE, HAVE BEEN SO INFORMED. There will be no leniency!"

President Trump is threatening to take action against Mexico as a migrant caravan heads toward the U.S. southern border. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Trump's post began with the suggestion the midterm election results have emboldened the mass migration efforts that he has had to shut down since his first administration.

"Here we go again!" Trump's post began. "With the perceived loss by the Republicans in the Midterms - I WAS NOT ON THE BALLOT- the INVASION of our Country is taking place again."

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The group of migrants, an estimated 1,500 people mostly from Central America, set off Tuesday from the southern city of Tapachula near the Guatemala border, hoping Democrats' victory in the U.S. midterm election could open pathways for them to live and work in the United States.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Eric Mack is a breaking news reporter and writer Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET, with a particular interest in stories that lead the news cycle on politics, elections, foreign affairs and government.