iCon Group CEO tearfully vows to compensate investors

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Trump steps back from Mexico border threat as companies warn of economic fallout

By Steve Holland and Roberta Rampton

 

The border between Mexico and the U.S., is seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, March 31, 2019. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump took a step back on Tuesday from his threat to close the U.S. southern border to fight illegal immigration, amid pressure from companies worried that a shutdown would cause chaos to supply chains.

 

Trump threatened on Friday to close the border this week unless Mexico acted. He repeated that threat on Tuesday but said he had not made a decision yet: "We're going to see what happens over the next few days."

 

Closing the border could disrupt millions of legal crossings and billions of dollars in trade. Auto companies have been warning the White House privately that it would lead to the idling of U.S. plants within days because they rely on prompt deliveries of components made in Mexico.

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest U.S. business lobbying group, has been in contact with the White House to discuss the "very negative economic consequences that would occur across the country," said Neil Bradley, the group's top lobbyist, on a call with reporters.

 

Trump praised efforts by Mexico to hinder illegal immigration from Central America at its own southern border. On Monday, the Mexican government said it would help regulate the flow of migrants.

 

"Mexico, as you know, as of yesterday has been starting to apprehend a lot of people at their southern border coming in from Honduras and Guatemala and El Salvador and they're really apprehending thousands of people," Trump told reporters on Tuesday.

 

The Mexican government has not published apprehension statistics but a senior White House official said it has provided daily updates to the Trump administration, including specific apprehension numbers.

 

"They say they're going to stop them. Let's see. They have the power to stop them, they have the laws to stop them," Trump said.

 

PUSH BACK

Trump has made fighting illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America a key part of his agenda but shutting down one of the world's most used borders might be a step too far, even for many of his fellow Republicans.

 

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell joined Democrats in warning Trump against such a move.

 

"Closing down the border would have potentially catastrophic economic impact on our country and I would hope we would not be doing that sort of thing," McConnell told reporters at Congress on Tuesday.

 

A group representing General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said in a statement that "any action that stops commerce at the border would be harmful to the U.S. economy, and in particular, the auto industry."

 

Dozens of U.S. vehicle, engine, transmission and other auto parts plants could close because of a lack of components in the days after a border shutdown. It would also prevent thousands of vehicles built in Mexico from landing in U.S. dealer showrooms.

 

Automakers exported nearly 2.6 million Mexican-made vehicles to the United States in 2018, accounting for 15 percent of all vehicles sold in the country. Some, like the Chevrolet Blazer SUV, are only made in Mexico.

 

Retailers are also raising alarm bells, according to officials with two groups that represent hundreds of U.S. retail firms.

 

"It will be unprecedented self-inflicted pain," said David French, senior vice president of government relations at the National Retail Federation. "We are still nervous about this and we have been talking to some of our companies about maybe ramping up direct pressure on the White House by getting CEOs to call."

 

SLOWER BORDER

Senior U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials said on Tuesday a recent redeployment of some 750 officers on the border to deal with a surge in migrants - mostly Central American families turning themselves into border agents - had already led to a slowing of legal crossings and commerce at ports of entry.

 

"Wait times in Brownsville (Texas) were around 180 minutes, which were two times the peaks of last year," said a senior DHS official on a call with reporters. "We ended the day yesterday at Otay Mesa (California) with a back-up of 150 trucks that hadn't been processed," the official said.

 

Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Tuesday that backups were delaying commercial traffic at the U.S.-Mexico border at several crossings. He said the government had not drastically changed its migration strategy following the shutdown threats.

 

DHS officials said border facilities have been overwhelmed by families seeking asylum, fleeing poverty and violence in Central America.

 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimated that some 100,000 migrants were apprehended or encountered at the border in March, the highest level in a decade. "The system is on fire," a DHS official said.

 

Because of limits on how long children are legally allowed to be held in detention, many of the families are released to await their U.S. immigration court hearings, a process that can take years because of ballooning backlogs.

 

To try to address the problem, the Trump administration in January started sending some migrants to wait out their U.S. court dates in Mexican border cities. On Monday, DHS said it would dramatically ramp up that program, despite court challenges.

 

The biggest priority for DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is to seek action from Congress to change the immigration laws, said a DHS official. She sent a letter to Congress last week repeating many of the Trump administration's demands, including a request to quickly deport Central American minors that cross the border alone.

 

Under current law, minors who are not from the contiguous countries of Canada and Mexico are placed in the care of sponsors in the United States, which Nielsen called a "dangerous 'pull' factor" for migrants. Migrant advocates and some Democrats in Congress oppose the proposed legislative changes, saying they would send vulnerable children back to dangerous situations in their home countries.

 

Trump said he had spoken with "a few" Democrats on Tuesday about the administration's proposals and added, "they're changing their minds."

 

(Reporting by Roberta Rampton, Steve Holland and David Shepardson in Washington and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Additional reporting by Alexandra Alper, Nandita Bose and Yeganeh Torbati in Washington and Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City. Writing by Ginger Gibson and David Alexander; Editing by Alistair Bell and Rosalba O'Brien)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-04-03

[pegman]

This guy does more flipping than an IHOP cook. Last nite it was the greatest healthcare plan ever that he dropped.

[LomSak27]

Mexico was going to build that thing .... or Go Fund Me and Patriot Prayer, but they wimped out when the costs came up. They went socialist according the my main squeeze Coulter.

 

Tough times come to flip city. Hey why not give nukes to the Saudis or some other crazed Dictator, Spud Man is always thinking. And that scares everyone. 

Edited April 2, 2019 by LomSak27

[LomSak27]

Read the news .... its up today but this has been scaring people for over a month. 

 

 

[TopDeadSenter]

22 minutes ago, pegman said:

This guy does more flipping than an IHOP cook. Last nite it was the greatest healthcare plan ever that he dropped.

He floats out his ideas, gets feedback, and adjusts when appropriate. As any great leader would. 

 

When the tears subside, his detractors will realize that once again, Trump played a blinder. Now the Mexicans will now think twice about sending these constant migrant caravans up towards the border - for fear that he will indeed close the border. 

[Cryingdick]

3 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

He floats out his ideas, gets feedback, and adjusts when appropriate. As any great leader would. 

 

When the tears subside, his detractors will realize that once again, Trump played a blinder. Now the Mexicans will now think twice about sending these constant migrant caravans up towards the border - for fear that he will indeed close the border. 

 

Yeah imagine you were elected president and weren't allowed to change your mind ever. Anyway it is clear there is a Merkel moment approaching America now. If tightening up the border costs a bit of money and avocados run out I won't cry.

 

This is a critical moment for the USA.

[bristolboy]

6 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

He floats out his ideas, gets feedback, and adjusts when appropriate. As any great leader would. 

 

When the tears subside, his detractors will realize that once again, Trump played a blinder. Now the Mexicans will now think twice about sending these constant migrant caravans up towards the border - for fear that he will indeed close the border. 

That's what great leaders do. Float obviously stupid ideas in public such as closing the border or promising a great healthcare bill and then when it hits the fan, they retreat. Of course, sometimes, as in the case of the budget bill shutdown, they go ahead with their obviously stupid ideas despite the feedback.

Edited April 2, 2019 by bristolboy

[Cryingdick]

2 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

That's what great leaders do. Float obviously stupid ideas in public such as closing the border or promising a great healthcare bill and then when it hits the fan, they retreat. Of course, sometimes, as in the case of the budget bill shutdown, they go ahead with their obviously stupid ideas despite the feedback.

 

Yeah, right, because it isn't like the dems did a big back down on the idiocy of the NGD.

[Lungstib]

The fast mouth has given way to slow truth. Reality finally sinks in, the US has a lot to lose. 

[bristolboy]

2 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Yeah, right, because it isn't like the dems did a big back down on the idiocy of the NGD.

First off, whatever the merits or popularity of the NGD, it wasn't released or endorsed by all or nearly all Democrats, was it? So what's with nonsense of saying the "dems did a big back down on the idiocy of the NGD."?

 

[Thainesss]

2 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

This is a critical moment for the USA.

 

Unfortunately, that critical moment left with Reagan. He had it by the balls in the 80's and the end result was a non-delivery on the promises of his amnesty, and since then its been an accelerating demographic change in favor of the left.

 

Only thing to do now is fight tooth and nail for the little bit thats left, and slow what can be slowed. 

[bristolboy]

6 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Yeah imagine you were elected president and weren't allowed to change your mind ever. Anyway it is clear there is a Merkel moment approaching America now. If tightening up the border costs a bit of money and avocados run out I won't cry.

 

This is a critical moment for the USA.

Of course a President can change his mind. That isn't the question. It's that her publicly proposes obviously stupid idea. And sometimes he sticks with them. Like suing to completely invalidate the ACA. Or promising a new health care bill and then completely backing down. Such a lovely issue to hand the Democrats in 2020. Who's going to believe Trump on health care reform now?

[Cryingdick]

4 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

First off, whatever the merits or popularity of the NGD, it wasn't released or endorsed by all or nearly all Democrats, was it? So what's with nonsense of saying the "dems did a big back down on the idiocy of the NGD."?

 

Well it is endorsed by nobody now. Thank God. 

[Thainesss]

3 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

First off, whatever the merits or popularity of the NGD, it wasn't released or endorsed by all or nearly all Democrats, was it? So what's with nonsense of saying the "dems did a big back down on the idiocy of the NGD."?

Not all, but, you know, every single presidential contender for 2020, and every major democrat. 

 

All of which voted "present" instead of "yay" up to and including the co-signers of the resolution. 

 

It was a galactic, embarrassing flip-flop. 

[bristolboy]

Just now, Cryingdick said:

Well it is endorsed by nobody now. Thank God. 

That's one way to back down on your original contention.

[Cryingdick]

1 minute ago, bristolboy said:

Of course a President can change his mind. That isn't the question. It's that her publicly proposes obviously stupid idea. And sometimes he sticks with them. Like suing to completely invalidate the ACA. Or promising a new health care bill and then completely backing down. Such a lovely issue to hand the Democrats in 2020. Who's going to believe Trump on health care reform now?

 

He is just waiting to spend the political capital when he is soundly re-elected.

[Thainesss]

1 minute ago, bristolboy said:

Of course a President can change his mind. That isn't the question. It's that her publicly proposes obviously stupid idea. And sometimes he sticks with them. Like suing to completely invalidate the ACA. Or promising a new health care bill and then completely backing down. Such a lovely issue to hand the Democrats in 2020. Who's going to believe Trump on health care reform now?

 

Well, youve got 2 choices. Socialist Dems and high taxes (which is wholly unpopular with the american electorate) or Trump. 

[Cryingdick]

3 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

That's one way to back down on your original contention.

 

You argue just to hear yourself type. Here is my contention Trump wins the election easily because of the electoral college. There is nothing the dems can do now that Biden is tainted. 

[bristolboy]

6 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

You argue just to hear yourself type. Here is my contention Trump wins the election easily because of the electoral college. There is nothing the dems can do now that Biden is tainted. 

Because the issue of health care is so unimportant to Americans? It's good to keep in mind that he's on record publiclhy lying about his health care plans. And even Fox News polls show that his stance on immigration is very unpopular. And he's not real popular anymore in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida.

Edited April 3, 2019 by bristolboy

[Cryingdick]

Just now, bristolboy said:

Because the issue of health care is so unimportant to Americans? And even Fox News polls show that his stance on immigration is very unpopular. And he's not real popular anymore in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida.

Polls say a lot of things. I can tell you very clearly that the blue collar workers of Pennsylvania are not interested in what the dems are selling. Trump doesn't need additional votes just to hold serve. California and New York are irrelevant. 

 

All Trump has to do is stay on course. 

[LomSak27]

15 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

This is a critical moment for the USA.

Well yes, the Yankees are playing Detroit on Fox2 Sports Asia.

 

But I am not a Yankee Fan. 

[bristolboy]

6 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

Polls say a lot of things. I can tell you very clearly that the blue collar workers of Pennsylvania are not interested in what the dems are selling. Trump doesn't need additional votes just to hold serve. California and New York are irrelevant. 

 

All Trump has to do is stay on course. 

Yes, I'm sure you can tell me very clearly. The question is why should anyone believe you? You have some objectively verifiable criteria to support your contention? Also useful to note that Trump's support largely depends on the performance of the economy. Early indicators are that it's  undergoing a sharp slowdown. 

[Cryingdick]

5 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

Yes, I'm sure you can tell me very clearly. The question is why should anyone believe you? You have some objectively verifiable criteria to support your contention? Also useful to note that Trump's support largely depends on the performance of the economy. Early indicators are that it's  undergoing a sharp slowdown. 

 

Just, like, my observations, because, you know, I am actually on the ground. The market has been on fire if you didn't know because I doubt you have any skin in the game. Best first quarter in more than a decade.

Edited April 3, 2019 by Cryingdick

[bristolboy]

3 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Just, like, my observations, because, you know, I am actually on the ground. The market has been on fire if you didn't know because I doubt you have any skin in the game. Best first quarter in more than a decade.

Once again, another person who confuses the stock market with the economy. And disregards the fact the the vast majority of Americans don't have significant holdings in it. You think your blue collar workers in Pennsylvania give a rat's a** about the stock market?

[Cryingdick]

Just now, bristolboy said:

Once again, another person who confuses the stock market with the economy. And disregards the fact the the vast majority of Americans don't have significant holdings in it. You think your blue collar workers in Pennsylvania give a rat's a** about the stock market?

What are the people in Pennsylvania going to do learn how to code? Anyway this is about the border. I hope Trump disrupts it if it isn't a full shut down I want every avocado searched and scrutinized.

[samran]

Over on the original thread I said this.

 

On 3/30/2019 at 2:54 PM, samran said:

His corporate donors, you know the ones who actually own the factories over the border, will no doubt convince him that it isn’t that bad an emergency...

 

In response one of TV’s leading ‘lights’ replied with this 

On 3/30/2019 at 5:08 PM, elmrfudd said:

which donors are those, precisely?

 

and do they give to congress, or is this just another emotional rant?

 

And now we have this news, and exactly zero people are surprised. True your bloke said he’d drain the swap, and maybe he did. But it was only drained so his huge lard arse could fit into it, which he has done nicely. 

 

Im sure someone will be along shortly to tell us all this is 3-D chess on behalf of your dear leader. 

 

Edited April 3, 2019 by samran

[Thainesss]

5 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

You think your blue collar workers in Pennsylvania give a rat's a** about the stock market?

 

I think any moderately literate blue collar worker knows that stock market and economic positivity equates to job security and upward mobility. 

 

You're starting to sound like a Bernie Bro now and its getting rather stupid. 

[Cryingdick]

10 minutes ago, Thainesss said:

 

I think any moderately literate blue collar worker knows that stock market and economic positivity equates to job security and upward mobility. 

 

You're starting to sound like a Bernie Bro now and its getting rather stupid. 

He doesn't seem to understand the underlying instruments in most people's 401k plans.

[lannarebirth]

45 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

Because the issue of health care is so unimportant to Americans? It's good to keep in mind that he's on record publiclhy lying about his health care plans. And even Fox News polls show that his stance on immigration is very unpopular. And he's not real popular anymore in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida.

There's about a 2-3 year window here to get healthcare done. Then too many people will be on Medicare who don't care about what others have, too many people will be on Medicaid and won't care what others have, people working in decent jobs won't care what others have. If the window passes with no solution I expect it will be another 20 years till the window opens again after most of the Baby Boomers die off.

Edited April 3, 2019 by lannarebirth

[Cryingdick]

1 minute ago, lannarebirth said:

There's about a 2-3 year window here to get healthcare done. Then too many people will be on Medicare who don't care about what others have, too many people will be on Medicaid and won't care what others have, people working in decent jobs won't care what others have. If the window passes with no solution I expect it will be another 20 years till the window opens again after most of the Baby Boomers die off.

 

The boomers are the reason nobody younger in their right mind wants to count on medical or SS later. That is why we are $22 trillion in debt.