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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the U.S. and Mexico can collaborate to curb the influx of unaccompanied minors crossing into the U.S. through Mexico.
Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (PAYN'-yuh nee-EH'-toh) plotted strategy to address the surge in a telephone call Thursday. The White House says Obama welcomed Mexico's help targeting criminals luring children from Central America with promises of safe harbor in the U.S.
Vice President Joe Biden plans to meet Friday with regional leaders in Guatemala to discuss the issue. The White House says he'll seek to rebut misperceptions that Obama's policy letting some kids brought here illegally remain doesn't apply to unaccompanied minors coming today.
The Border Patrol says the number of minors coming from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras has soared more than 1,000 percent.
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