Mexico asks US to investigate use of tear gas on migrants along border

Mexico has reportedly called for an investigation into the use of what it described as nonlethal weapons, including tear gas, along its border with the United States.

{mosads}In a diplomatic note presented to the U.S. on Monday, Mexico’s foreign ministry called for “a full investigation” into the use of weapons directed toward Mexican territory on Sunday, a day after U.S. agents fired tear gas canisters toward migrants seeking to breach the border between Tijuana, Mexico, and California, according to Reuters.

Multiple outlets reported that children were among those hit by the tear gas.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prompted criticism from immigration activists and Democrats over its use of force in the incident, as photos and videos circulate online showing adults clutching to their kids tightly as they ran from the spreading tear gas.

Trump officials defended the use of force on the crowd of migrants, as they were seeking to cross the border illegally. Border officials also said some migrants were hurling rocks at authorities.

President Trump defended the use of force on Monday, saying border agents were forced into action because they were “being rushed by some very tough people.” 

“Here’s the bottom line: Nobody’s coming into our country unless they’re coming legally,” he added. 

Trump also denied that tear gas was used against children during the incident, although footage from the incident also showed a woman with two children fleeing with a a cloud of tear gas behind them.