WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the U.S. and Mexico can collaborate to curb the influx of unaccompanied minors crossing into the U.S. through Mexico.

Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (PAYN’-yuh nee-EH’-toh) plotted strategy to address the surge in a telephone call Thursday. The White House says Obama welcomed Mexico’s help targeting criminals luring children from Central America with promises of safe harbor in the U.S.