Exclusive-U.S. urges Mexico to clear migrant camps near border -sources

Asylum-seeking migrants are pictured at a makeshift camp after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered to uphold an immigration policy implemented under former President Donald Trump that forced thousands of asylum seekers to stay in Mexico to await U.S. hearings, at El Chaparral crossing port with the U.S., in Tijuana, Mexico August 25, 2021. REUTERS/Jorge Duenes/

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The United States has urged Mexico to clear ad-hoc camps housing thousands of migrants in border cities due to concerns they pose a security risk and attract criminal gangs, officials familiar with the matter said.

Facing domestic criticism over a jump in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has pressed Mexico to curb the flow of migrants to help ease pressure on the nearly 2,000 mile (3,200 km) frontier.