Trump says he'll slap 5% tariff on all Mexican goods to 'STOP' influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a 5% tariff on imports from Mexico as part of his broader plan to curb an influx of migrants coming across the US border. It would go into effect on June 10.

Trump and White House officials have been exploring the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants him the authority to regulate commercial deals between the US and other countries.

“The Tariff will gradually increase until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied, at which time the Tariffs will be removed,” Trump said on Twitter.

Trump added that the the US would have the “sole discretion” in determining whether Mexico has adequately taken steps to lower the illegal immigration rate.

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a 5% tariff on imports from Mexico — another tactic in his efforts to curb an influx of migrants coming across the US border.

“On June 10th, the United States will impose a 5% Tariff on all goods coming into our Country from Mexico, until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP,” Trump announced on Twitter. “The Tariff will gradually increase until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied, at which time the Tariffs will be removed.”

Trump and White House officials have been exploring the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants him the authority to regulate commercial deals between the US and other countries.

Trump has bemoaned the rising rate of migrants crossing the border in recent weeks. Over 100,000 migrants were apprehended at the US-Mexico border last month, the most in more than a decade.

In a statement, Trump warned “if Mexico fails to act, tariffs will remain at a high level.”

“Companies located in Mexico may start moving back to the United States to make their products and goods,” Trump said in a separate statement. “Companies that relocate to the United States will not pay the Tariffs or be affected in any way.”

“Mexico must step up and help solve this problem,” the statement continued. “For years, Mexico has not treated us fairly — but we are now asserting our rights as a sovereign Nation.”

Trump added that the the US would have the “sole discretion” in determining whether Mexico has adequately taken steps to lower the illegal immigration rate.

Some White House aides warned Trump not to impose the tariffs, fearing economic blowback and the possibility of scuttling trade deals that are currently in the works, according to The Washington Post. Leaders from the US, Mexico, and Canada, are working on the new North American trade agreement, which has yet to pass in Congress.