Trump Draws, and Repels, Nevada Latinos With His Anti-Immigrant Message

For some, Donald J. Trump’s incessant attacks on immigrants are too much. Still, many appear prepared to look past his escalations and back a candidate they believe will help their livelihoods.

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Former President Donald J. Trump during a campaign event on Saturday with Latino leaders in North Las Vegas, Nev.

Two months ago, Javier Barajas hosted former President Donald J. Trump at Il Toro E La Capra, one of five restaurants he owns in Las Vegas.

Mr. Barajas, 65, had eagerly backed Hillary Clinton when she ran for president in 2008; he previously welcomed President Biden to one of his other restaurants. But he has thrown his support to Mr. Trump this year for one major reason: skyrocketing prices on everything from the ingredients in his entrees to the gas for his catering truck.

His nephew, Justin Favela, was crafting a piece of traditional Mexican folk art from tissue paper when he began receiving angry and confused texts from friends and family who had seen the news of Mr. Trump’s visit on social media and the nightly news.

Mr. Favela, a 38-year-old artist, has economic concerns that resemble his uncle’s. Higher rents, increased costs for the supplies to create his art and student loans leave him stressed about his future.

But he will cast a reluctant vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, spurred primarily by Mr. Trump’s increasingly dark and racist portrayals of immigrants like those in his own family.

“I work 12 hours a day just to be alive — just to be able to pay rent. I can’t even afford a house. The Democrats have been weak,” Mr. Favela said, describing how the cost of a gallon of glue, which is essential for his work, has doubled in the last three years.

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