ANKARA

The US administration will paint sections of its border wall with Mexico black in an effort to deter illegal crossings, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday.

Noem announced the measure during a visit to Santa Teresa on New Mexico’s southern border, stressing that the order came directly from President Donald Trump.

“That is specifically at the request of the president, who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer, and it will make it even harder for people to climb,” Noem said, according to The Hill.

She said the height and depth of the barriers already prevent crossings, and that the department will now use black paint to further strengthen their effectiveness.

The secretary added that technological equipment, including cameras and sensors, will also be installed along the border barriers to reinforce security.

Noem said the changes are meant to discourage migrants from entering illegally, adding that they can come to "our country the right way, so that they can stay and have the opportunity to become United States citizens and pursue the American dream.”