Former US President Donald Trump commended Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday for his decision to prevent the Joe Biden administration from gaining access to remove razor wire in a well-known corridor used by migrants entering the US illegally, escalating tensions over immigration.
Speaking primarily about border security, Trump expressed strong support for Texas' efforts to deter migrants along the US-Mexico border. Texas has limited the actions of the US Border Patrol after the Supreme Court allowed federal agents to cut or remove the sharp metal barrier.
"When I'm president, instead of attempting to issue a restraining order against Texas, I will send them reinforcements," Trump proclaimed to a gathering of supporters in Las Vegas, rallying indoors on a soccer field in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. "Rather than antagonizing border states, I will leverage every resource, tool, and authority as President of the United States to protect our nation from this alarming invasion occurring right now."
Trump largely avoided discussing a recent jury verdict in a defamation lawsuit, which ordered him to pay an additional $83.3 million to columnist E Jean Carroll, whom he had previously labeled a liar for accusing him of sexual assault.
The former president, who is inching closer to securing the Republican presidential nomination, portrayed himself as a victim of the Biden administration's efforts to wield law enforcement against him amid facing 91 criminal charges across four indictments. These charges include allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election, mishandling classified documents, and arranging payoffs to a porn star.
"They're using elections and election interference as an example of what they're doing to me," Trump asserted. "Look at yesterday, look at all this turmoil, but we keep moving forward, we keep pushing ahead, and somehow it all works out."
Annabelle Weislocher, a retired nurse with military service, viewed the legal actions against Trump as attempts to undermine him and deplete his resources. She remarked, "They recognize his leadership. They know he's resilient. And they're employing every tactic to diminish him."
Trump highlighted his increasing support among Hispanic voters, emphasizing his commitment to addressing issues affecting Hispanic and Black families most severely impacted by migrant arrivals. He criticized President Biden for rescinding restrictions implemented during his own administration to discourage migration.
"I'll resolve this issue and initiate the process on day one — from the first day, we will commence that process," Trump asserted confidently. "That's why we will secure the largest share of Latino votes in history."
The unprecedented influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border during Biden's presidency poses a significant challenge to his re-election campaign.
Immigration emerged as a prominent issue during the Republican caucuses in Iowa earlier this month, where Trump emerged victorious. A survey conducted by AP VoteCast revealed that about 90% of caucus attendees supported constructing a border wall, with approximately 70% expressing strong support for the idea.
Rob Williams, a 25-year-old attendee at the Las Vegas rally, expressed support for Texas's defiance against the Biden administration's immigration policies. "The resilient people of Texas are stepping up, as are other states," he remarked. "They're demonstrating their resilience over there in Texas."
In Nevada, Trump faces no significant opposition after the state GOP opted for a party-run caucus to award delegates, causing some confusion among voters receiving mail ballots without Trump's name. Despite this, Trump urged voters to participate in the caucus, emphasizing its importance over the primary.
"Your primary vote is inconsequential," he emphasized. "Don't concern yourself with the primary; just participate in the caucus."
Trump's main GOP competitor, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, is participating in the primary but not the caucus, rendering her ineligible for delegates who will select a nominee at the Republican National Convention.
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