Two Republicans seeking the southern Arizona congressional seat that was held by the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva faced off in a debate Thursday in Phoenix.
Daniel Butierez and Jorge Rivas went head to head while a third candidate, Jimmy Rodriguez, pulled out at the last minute. Butierez ran unsuccessfully for the same seat last year.
Both candidates said they support President Donald Trump’s mass deportations. But they differed on the approach.
“I don't think law enforcement should be going into our schools or our churches. I believe they should be sanctuary areas," Butierez said.
Rivas disagrees.
“We cannot pick and choose where we enforce the laws, we cannot pick and choose when we enforce the laws. If we do that, then we become a banana republic.," Rivas said.
But both said they have no problem deporting migrants, even those who fear for their safety. Rivas, who fled El Salvador in the 1980s, says it’s not the responsibility of the U.S to ensure every country treats its citizens well.
Both candidates also say they support Trump’s tariffs and a House-passed bill that would make deep cuts to Medicaid and other programs.
The primary is set for July 15. The general election will be in September.
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