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How dangerous is the departure of Latin Americans for Harris?

Politiko 2024-10-09 10:18:25

Dozens of trucks, motorcycles and cars adorned with large Trump flags lined up in a parking lot on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona's second-largest city. The big motorcade for Donald Trump will be set in motion. It is organized by Jorge, in his 50s, who immigrated from El Salvador more than 30 years ago.

Wearing a Trump T-shirt and a fake Trump hairdo on his head, he stands in the parking lot. "Latin Americans for Trump" - this is his mission. "The Democrats have failed the Latin American community," says Jorge. His wife Betty, with a glittery Trump bag in hand, beams and says, "Latinos are voting for Trump, great."

What is important to Latin Americans no longer matters to Democrats, says Jorge. Latin Americans believe in family, work, law and order. Democrats are worried about the "woke culture", the culture of minorities. Trump, on the other hand, will lower the high cost of living and end illegal immigration. According to Jorge, the Democrats are leaving the rapists and murderers in the country.

Bertha, whose ancestors emigrated from Mexico to the United States, has also joined the convoy. "We are not against immigration," explains this woman in her sixties. But Latinos who came to the country legally feel cheated. Bertha also believes that support for Trump has never been stronger among Latinos in Arizona.

In the swing state of Arizona, the only state that shares a border with Mexico, 25% of voters are Latino. Therefore they can decisively contribute to the outcome of the elections in this country. In 2020, Joe Biden won by less than 11,000 votes over Donald Trump. And the polls show it: Latino support for Democrats is declining.

Even in Nogales, 130 kilometers further. The border with Mexico runs directly through this town of 20,000 inhabitants. Litzyeen, Roxy and Anakarina are sitting in a Mexican restaurant. The three Latina women are campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, knocking on doors, calling potential voters in the Latino community. And all three say they sense waning support for Democrats.

"Latin Americans for Trump keep me up at night," says Anakarina, 37, with long dark hair. She doesn't understand Latino support for Trump. Trump is making Latin Americans believe that he will do something for them, that he will revive the economy by cutting taxes. But Trump will cut taxes only for the rich, many Latin Americans just don't see that," Anakarina said, shaking her head in disappointment.

Democrats' concerns

Women are also convinced that Trump will not solve the problem of illegal immigration. They want a humane immigration policy. Roxy says she only sees Trump as someone who doesn't care about people. Trump wants no solutions to problems, only hatred and division. That's why the country needs Harris. She is able to overcome the deep divide between political camps, says Anakarina. And that is the only thing that will move the US forward.

Will this ultimately be enough to win the election? None of the three women are safe. It will be a very close result, says Anakarina. Litzyeen openly admits that she is worried. It is different for Jorge, the Trump fan in Tucson: he is convinced that Trump will win with the help of Latin Americans. The Latin American community will celebrate on November 5, he says, – with tequila, of course./DW