Event organizers are expecting thousands of people to turn out on Saturday to hear Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump speak out against illegal immigration. The candidate has garnered attention in recent days for his polarizing comments on Mexican immigrants.
Trump’s campaign event will feature Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for his hard-line stance on illegal immigration and controversial enforcement tactics.
Event organizers had to move the rally to the Phoenix Convention Center to accommodate all the people who want to attend. But some Arizona Republican leaders worry Trump’s immigration message will be damaging for the party and the state’s image.
U.S. Senator Jeff Flake made an unsuccessful request to the local Republican party to withdraw its sponsorship of the Phoenix campaign event.