Trump takes a step back from threat to close southern border

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump administration officials are exploring actions to satisfy President Donald Trump’s call for a strong response to a surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen says she’s creating an emergency operations center and having a veteran official manage the response within the department.

A person on a conference call Tuesday night tells The Associated Press that Nielsen said border issues would be treated “as if we have been hit by a Category 5 hurricane.”

Meanwhile, Trump eased up on his threats to close the southern border, saying Tuesday that he was pleased with steps Mexico had taken in recent days.