As Election Day approaches, more than 29,000 Republican voters filled the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS—Former President Donald Trump promised to use a 1798 law to start deporting millions of illegal immigrants and vowed to revitalize the economy and bring about a new “Golden Age for America” if he wins the Nov. 5 election. Nevada is a key battleground state and could play a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election.
Speaking at a rally in Las Vegas on Oct. 24, Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, declared, “The migrant invasion ends, and the restoration of our country begins.” He emphasized that illegal immigration is the most urgent issue facing the nation’s survival.
Trump outlined his plan to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to remove and deport criminal alien gangs, such as MS-13 from El Salvador and Tren de Aragua from Venezuela, operating in U.S. cities.
He criticized the federal government’s catch-and-release policy and vowed to halt illegal immigrant flights into the United States at taxpayer expense. Trump also highlighted the need to address the influx of criminal foreign gangs, stating, “These [gangs] are animals, and we have to deal with them.”
At the rally, Trump was joined by former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Chief of Staff Kash Patel, and former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as keynote speakers. The event drew over 29,000 Trump supporters.
With less than 12 days until the election, Trump criticized his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, for her handling of the border crisis and economic policies. He pledged to reduce the tax burden on working Americans by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime wages, and social security benefits.
Supporters Confident
Attendees at the rally expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming election. Gina Calabrase from Las Vegas emphasized her trust in Trump’s support and doubted any polls predicting otherwise. She stated, “I can’t see how anybody could vote for Kamala. … I believe he’s going to win by a landslide.”
Similarly, Skip Carlsen from Utah voiced his support for Trump as a means to safeguard America’s freedoms. He described the election as pivotal in saving the nation and expressed optimism about Trump’s chances of success.
Dunia Antunez from Las Vegas echoed the sentiment, asserting her belief in Trump’s ability to triumph once again, citing his victory in 2016. She emphasized the importance of morals, values, and addressing key issues facing the country.
Gina Calabrase drapes herself in a banner supporting former President Donald Trump during a rally in Las Vegas on Oct. 24, 2024. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times
“I was nervous [at first], but now I’m not. It’s about our country and being safe and walking out in your neighborhood, and our children, too.”
Las Vegas staffing business owner Laura Nowlan said she voted for Trump in 2020 even though she had doubts about him.
“When he first started campaigning, I didn’t really care for him. Then I had the opportunity to meet him,” Nowlan told The Epoch Times. “So when I met him in person, I knew that he was the right candidate for this position. So I voted for him. He’s a great negotiator. He doesn’t take bull from anyone.”
Linda Lebica, from Las Vegas, said she believes Trump has more support from voters than the legacy media portrays.
Lebica said she’s hopeful that Republicans will win both the House and Senate, making it easier for Trump to govern in his next term.
Her friend, Cathy Lauer, also from Las Vegas, said she began as a “Trump hater” but changed her mind after watching him debate Clinton on television in the 2016 election.
“Finally, somebody who’s telling the truth,” Lauer told The Epoch Times.
Las Vegas resident Skip Carlsen, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, stands outside a campaign rally in Las Vegas on Oct. 24, 2024. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times
Harris supporter Rich Saenz from Las Vegas stood outside the center holding a sign that read, “Trump for Prison.”
“If he wins the electoral college, it’s going to be a horrible day for democracy,” Saenz told The Epoch Times. “Democrats follow the Constitution. I feel sorry for [Trump supporters]. They’re voting against their self-interest because they’re in love with the guy for whatever reason.”
Millions of Americans have already cast ballots in early voting.
Dunia Antunez from Las Vegas attends a rally in support of former President Donald Trump in Las Vegas on Oct. 24, 2024. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times
Early voting trends in Nevada could signal “serious danger“ for Harris and Democrats, according to Jon Ralston, a longtime reporter in Nevada who runs The Nevada Independent.
More Republicans have submitted ballots than Democrats, which hasn’t happened in a presidential race since at least 2008, Ralston wrote.
Linda Lebica (L) and Kathy Lauer (R) from Las Vegas were among 29,000 people who attended a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Las Vegas on Oct. 24, 2024. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times
Former President Barack Obama stumped for Harris and down-ballot Democrat candidates at a high school gymnasium in Las Vegas on Oct. 19, the first day of in-person early voting in Nevada.
Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), rallied supporters in Las Vegas on Oct. 23, endorsing Sam Brown for U.S. Senate, before heading to Reno, Nevada.
The Epoch Times reached out to the Harris campaign for comment but did not receive a reply by publication time.
