Warren links immigration to values in Las Vegas

On Saturday two opposing political forces held events on opposite sides of Las Vegas.

In Henderson, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren held a fundraising event for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Jacky Rosen at Lovelady Brewing Company while President Trump attended a fundraiser for Rosen’s opponent, Sen. Dean Heller, at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino.

Outside the Suncoast Hotel hundreds of protesters gathered in opposition to the Trump administration, especially the policy that resulted in the separation of some 2,300 children from their parents at the border. Trump signed an executive order to end the policy after mounting public outcry. The order notwithstanding, chaos has ensued as families struggle to locate and reunite with their children.

Immigration continues to be a major talking point for Democrats.

Warren’s opening remarks at the fundraising event alluded to Trump’s arrival in Las Vegas and the protests he faced. Inside the brewery the debate on immigration continued after a man attending the event questioned Democrats’ policies on immigration.

“I have not seen anyone in the Democratic party recognize that everyone has an absolute right to control the borders because immigration and illegal immigration are not the same thing,” said the man. “It is a fact that if they break one law they are much more likely to break other laws.”

The statement elicited a chorus of booing from other attendees in the brewery. Warren thanked the man for his comments and agreed that more work needed to be done on immigration policy after failed attempts to pass comprehensive immigration reform. But Warren also condemned the current administration’s hardline immigration policies.

“You know what the current immigration policy is? How much pain can I inflict on anyone who wants to come here from another country. That’s the basic policy right now and that does not reflect American values,” said Warren. “We do not build a stronger America by building a wall to shut people out.”

Throughout the event Warren rattled off a list of issues that need to be solved including investing in infrastructure, eliminating student-loan debt, and lowering health-care costs. She criticized Trump’s tax-plan saying it largely favors the wealthy and large corporations at the expense of working class people who are affected by these challenges.

Near the end of the evening, Warren brought up the power of protest and grassroots movements, when one woman asked her how young girls can get more involved in politics.

“My advice is to come off the sidelines,” said Warren. “Do whatever you can. Hold a sign. Make a phone call. Volunteer in a campaign, but come in. This is the moment. Democracy needs you.”