Biden visits US-Mexico border for first time as president

In a sign of the deep political tensions over the immigration, Republican Governor Greg Abbott handed Mr Biden a letter upon his arrival that said the “chaos” at the border was the “direct result” of the president’s failure to enforce federal laws.

Rep Veronica Escobar holds the hand of President Joe Biden as they arrive at El Paso International Airport in El Paso, Texas (Andrew Harnik/AP/PA)

US President Joe Biden inspected a busy port of entry along the US-Mexico border on Sunday, his first trip to the region after two years in office.

Mr Biden watched as border officers in El Paso demonstrated how they search vehicles for drugs, money and other contraband.