Direct North American Leaders Summit

National Security Council strategic communications coordinator John Kirby told CNN that immigration “will be a major topic of discussion” during this week’s North American leaders’ summit in Mexico City.

“There is no doubt that immigration will be the main topic of discussion here for the next 24 to 36 hours. It’s clear on everyone’s mind in the hemisphere,” Kirby told CNN’s Alisyn Camerota on Monday.

“I don’t want to get ahead of the president or what he might talk about at the end of the meeting, he has a chance to talk about it publicly tomorrow, so I’ll leave it up to him. , but clearly, they’re going to talk about…improving capabilities at the border. And taking 30,000 undocumented immigrants to Mexico.” We’re grateful for the extra commitment to keep in. Do.” .

The leaders will also discuss the root causes of immigration during Tuesday’s summit, Kirby said, noting Vice President Kamala Harris’ work on the issue will be a major topic of conversation during the visit.

“He focused on this particular trip to El Paso … to spend as much time as possible with federal, state and local officials, really trying to deal with immigration issues at the border and dealing with immigrants. Including religious leaders,” Kirby said. He also wanted to focus on those working with immigrants, so he could get a better idea of ​​the challenges they face, the resources they need, and the skills they need. That is the whole point of the visit.”

Declining to comment on whether they were considering deporting former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is hospitalized in Florida, he told CNN that “the administration is not in a position to verify his whereabouts or physical condition at this time. We have every indication that he is here in the United States, and we have the appropriate visas.” know.”