Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump took a direct aim at Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona, leveling strong accusations in relation to the ongoing border crisis and rising migrant crime. Trump asserted that Harris should be disqualified from pursuing the presidency due to her record on immigration, suggesting that anyone who facilitates the importation of criminal gangs into the country should not even be considered for the highest office.
At the rally, Trump emphasized the dire state of illegal immigration, painting it as an ongoing “occupation” of the United States. He referred to Harris as the so-called “border czar” under President Biden and claimed that her management of immigration issues has been catastrophic for the nation. With a 370-mile stretch of border with Mexico nearby, Arizona Republicans are banking on voters’ frustrations regarding illegal border crossings to boost turnout in the upcoming elections.
President Trump Just Announced in Valley, Arizona #TrumpRally #TrumpVance2024
"Anyone who would import criminal gangs to OCCUPY America cannot ask to be President. Anyone who orchestrated an invasion of America cannot lead America. Kamala Harris’s reign of terror ends the day I… pic.twitter.com/C2BnxHqLM9
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) October 13, 2024
Immigration issues dominated the rally, reflecting a significant voter concern. Trump expressed his firm belief that the crisis at the border is a key factor in the destruction of American values, a sentiment that resonates with his base. He also showcased endorsements from the National Border Patrol Council while promising legislation that would give them a much-deserved pay increase—clearly positioning himself as the candidate who backs those on the front lines.
In response to the rally, Harris has pointed fingers at Trump for allegedly scuttling bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing border issues, while the Border Patrol union has distanced itself from Trump’s perspective, having previously supported a deal that failed to pass in the Senate. Despite Harris’s attempts to spin the narrative, Trump’s rally served as a reminder of the continued apprehension surrounding illegal immigration in the minds of many voters, especially as he unveiled plans like “Operation Aurora” to deport immigrant gang members.
Among his more controversial proposals, Trump called for the death penalty for illegal immigrants who commit murder against American citizens or law enforcement officers, further solidifying his tough-on-crime stance. Throughout the rally, he invoked former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for his stringent immigration policies, aligning himself with tough measures to regain control at the border. With Arizona firmly in his sights—polls indicate a neck-and-neck race against Harris—Trump reinforced his commitment to restoring order and safety against what he described as an invasion.
