Mexican troops block migrants from crossing Guatemala border
CGTN
00:31

According to Vox, 4,000 migrants in Guatemala requested entry into Mexico on Monday, in a letter addressed to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. 

They sought to cross over a bridge on the Suchiate River, which divides the two countries.When authorities refused to grant them entry, about 500 migrants attempted to cross the river by force. 

Mexican National Guard troops responded by firing tear gas.Vox reports more than 400 migrants were sent to immigration detention facilities, where they will be screened and authorities will determine whether they will be allowed to stay or be deported.

This comes as Mexico tightens security along its southern border in attempts to keep migrants from continuing north to the U.S.

In 2019 U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Mexico with tariffs on all of their good if they did not increase immigration enforcement.

Currently, migrants who make it to the U.S.-Mexico border and request asylum are being returned to Mexico under the "Remain in Mexico" policy, to wait for decisions on their applications.