Trump flies into boycott on US-Mexico border
Donald Trump boarded his private jet for the Texas-Mexico border on Thursday and flew headlong into fresh controversy as a border agents union announced it was boycotting his visit.
The real estate mogul and White House contender, who is streets ahead of his Republican rivals in some polls, is running an insult-dishing campaign and has condemned illegal immigration.
"Getting ready to lift off for Laredo. Will land at 1:00 pm (1800 GMT). Should be exciting and informative," he tweeted to his more than 3.3 million followers.
Trump's team say he will tour the town, visit the border, address local law enforcement and deliver a press conference.
But a border patrol union said it was boycotting the visit "after careful consideration of all the factors involved."
"Make no mistake, our border with Mexico is not secure and there's no doubt that we need to have an honest discussion about that," said the National Border Patrol Council.
"Our intention to meet with Mr. Trump was to provide a 'boots on the ground' perspective to not only Mr. Trump, but to the media that would be in attendance at this event," it said.
But it added that the local branch of the union "does not endorse candidates for any political office."
Trump issued a rapid-fire response, claiming the union had been silenced by superiors in Washington DC "who do not want people to know bad it is on the border."
The visit would continue "despite the great danger" he said in a statement, alleging that union members "are being silenced, and are very unhappy about it."
The former reality TV star has hogged the headlines with outlandish remarks and media stunts, lampooning rivals, insulting career politicians and castigating illegal immigrants.
He ruffled the feathers of the Republican establishment and turned almost all his presidential rivals against him, thanks to incendiary rhetoric.
A fervent critic of illegal immigration, Trump has accused Mexicans of being behind crimes such as rape in America.
Companies such as Macy's, Univision and NBC have cut ties with Trump, but the mogul has stuck to his guns, refusing to back down.