Pres. Trump Visits California, Reviews Options for Border Wall Architecture

In March 2018, President Donald Trump visited California to review prototypes and options for his proposed wall along the United States-Mexico border. During the visit, Trump emphasized that the wall should feature see-through capabilities to allow border agents to monitor activity on the other side. He asserted that certain areas of the state urgently required a barrier to stop the flow of illegal immigration.

According to reports at the time, Trump stated that the border requires unprecedented safety and security measures. He cited a Fox News report, which referenced a study by the Center for Immigration Studies, claiming that an $18 billion border wall would pay for itself by reducing the importation of crime, drugs, and illegal immigration.

The visit highlighted ongoing tensions between the federal government and California leadership. Trump criticized California Governor Jerry Brown, claiming the governor had managed the state poorly, pointing to high taxes and sanctuary policies. In response, Governor Brown called on Trump to visit the Central Valley region of California to inspect the state’s high-speed rail project.

At the site, a heavy police presence monitored groups of protesters and supporters who had gathered. Demonstrators holding American flags and wearing campaign merchandise stood opposite those protesting the administration’s border policies near the existing boundary fence between San Diego and Tijuana.