LAS VEGAS — Former President Donald Trump centered much of his one-hour speech on immigration during a campaign rally at the World Market Center in Las Vegas on Friday, September 13, 2024. As part of his ongoing bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Trump criticized what he described as an unchecked influx of illegal immigrants, highlighting crime and security concerns.

“Our country is under invasion just like an army,” Trump declared to a cheering crowd. He emphasized the growing issues at the U.S.-Mexico border, pointing to the number of illegal crossings and alleging that some of these immigrants have been involved in criminal activities.

Trump pointed to a recent incident involving Venezuelan gangs, who he claimed had overtaken an apartment building in Colorado. “When I return to the White House, I will launch a special task force of elite federal law enforcement and charge them with crushing and eliminating every foreign gang and organized crime network that is conquering our country,” he said. He underscored the need for immediate action, stating, “Can you believe I have to say this? We are going to liberate parts of our country.”

Trump also highlighted the impact of mass immigration on small American communities, citing Springfield, Ohio, as an example. He expressed concern over the relocation of nearly 20,000 Haitian immigrants to the town of approximately 60,000 people. “I’m angry about Venezuelan gangs taking over Aurora, Colo., and I’m angry about illegal Haitian migrants taking over Springfield, Ohio,” Trump said. “Americans are damn angry too.”

This event marked Trump’s first visit to Nevada since his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier in the week. It was also his first large-scale rally in the key swing state since June, when he held an outdoor campaign event at Sunset Park. His last visit to Las Vegas in August was a more private affair, where he addressed his “no taxes on tips pledge” at a local restaurant, limiting attendance to press and invited guests.

Nevada is considered a toss-up in the upcoming election. Polls show a tight race between Trump and Harris, with the Cook Political Report rating the state as a battleground. As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, November 5, both candidates are vying for every vote in this crucial state.

Source: News3LV