Trump defends use of tear gas on migrants at San Ysidro border, calling it a response to 'very tough people'

After U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents fired tear gas at a group of migrants—including women and children—near the San Diego border on November 25, 2018, President Trump strongly defended the action. The incident occurred when some migrants attempted to breach fencing, and agents reported being targeted with projectiles. Trump later characterized the migrants as 'very tough people' and insisted the tear gas was necessary for agent safety, dismissing criticism that children were affected. His defense amplified the aggressive posture he had previously signaled toward the migrant caravan.

“They were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas.” Quote verified against source