California Gov. Gavin Newsom, with his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, left, visit La Chacra Immigration Center in San Salvador, El Salvador, Monday, April 8, 2019. Third from left is California State Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)
April 08, 2019 - 3:59 PM
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - The Latest on California Gov. Gavin Newsom's trip to El Salvador (all times local):
5 p.m.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's second day in El Salvador has included hearing from three people who fled and tried to reach the United States.
One was successful, and two were sent back. They told Newsom on Monday that violence in their country and the chance for a better life spurred them to leave.
David Escobar Fuentes says he left in a caravan last year after gangs began extorting his family, which owned a farm. Sandra Monroy says she was searching for better economic opportunities.
Both were stopped in Mexico and sent back.
California has more Salvadorans than any other state, and Newsom is in the country to learn more about why thousands are fleeing for the U.S.
He met privately with Salvadoran President Salvador Sanchez Ceren and U.S. Ambassador Jean Manes earlier Monday.
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12 a.m.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he hopes to show the people of El Salvador a different side of the United States during his visit to the Central American nation.
The Democratic governor says he wants Salvadorans to know that President Donald Trump's views do not reflect the entire country. Trump has moved to rescind aid from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and has mocked people seeking asylum.
Newsom is in El Salvador for his first international trip to learn about the violence and poverty that is prompting people to flee. California is home to the nation's largest population of Salvadorans and its busiest border crossing.
Newsom's visit kicked off Sunday with a visit to the tomb of Saint Oscar Romero. His trip will continue with meetings with the president and president-elect of El Salvador as well as the U.S. ambassador.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019