Biden and Trump make competing trips to US-Mexico border

President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump both spent Thursday visiting the US-Mexico border, as both – expected to face each other in the November election – sought to assure the US public of their commitment to tackling illegal immigration. 

The issue is one of the most polarising in US politics and will be a key feature of this year’s race to the White House. 

Biden accused Trump of hindering his efforts to crack down on crossings. 

Republicans in the House of Representatives have blocked bipartisan border reforms. Democrats says its part of Trump’s plan to deny them a win before the election. 

Trump told Texans that he would “take care” of the issue of illegal immigration if he is re-elected in November. He has promised mass deportations if he wins. 

More than 6.3 million migrants have been detained crossing into the US illegally during Biden’s four years in power – higher than under any other president.