Trump cites ‘record’ increase in Mexican murder rate in push for border security

President Trump early Tuesday cited Mexico’s rising murder rate as a key reason for his border security push in a tweet in which he also blasted Democrats for supposedly wanting “open borders.”

“One of the reasons we need Great Border Security is that Mexico’s murder rate in 2017 increased by 27% to 31,174 people killed, a record!” the president tweeted. 

“The Democrats want Open Borders. I want Maximum Border Security and respect for ICE and our great Law Enforcement Professionals!” he added.

One of the reasons we need Great Border Security is that Mexico’s murder rate in 2017 increased by 27% to 31,174 people killed, a record! The Democrats want Open Borders. I want Maximum Border Security and respect for ICE and our great Law Enforcement Professionals! @FoxNews

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 31, 2018

The Associated Press reported late Monday that Mexico’s murder rate had climbed by 27 percent in 2017 to 31,174 total victims, the country’s highest murder rate on record, after Mexican officials were forced to revise their official count from last year.

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On Monday, the president once again threatened to force a government shutdown if Congress is unable to present him with a plan to secure the border.

“We must have Border Security, get rid of Chain, Lottery, Catch & Release Sanctuary Cities – go to Merit based Immigration,” he tweeted. “Protect ICE and Law Enforcement and, of course, keep building, but much faster, THE WALL!”

Trump has frequently accused Democrats of wanting “open borders” over their opposition to his plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, which has stalled talks between the two parties on immigration reform.