Rep. Pete Aguilar highlights Harris' immigration, border security efforts at DNC
Rep. Pete Aguilar took the stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention to endorse Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Aguilar, who hails from working-class roots in San Bernardino, framed his values as central to the American dream and contrasted them with former President Donald Trump’s approach.
“All (Trump) knows is chaos and division. He talks about tearing American families apart, pitting neighbors against neighbors, and putting communities against communities. Compare that to what Kamala Harris has done as vice president,” Aguilar said.
In his speech, Aguilar praised Harris for her work on immigration reform, highlighting her efforts to improve legal residency for immigrants and enhance work visa access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. He condemned Trump’s obstruction of bipartisan reform and stressed the importance of economic and social progress for the Latino community.
“DACA recipients who graduated college have easier access to work visas, and we would have much more security at the border if Donald Trump hadn’t tanked the bipartisan bill. Folks, we don’t have to choose between a secure border and building an America for all.”
More: DNC live updates: Pelosi and Clinton speak, Walz to accept nomination, Stevie Wonder performs
What to know about Rep. Pete Aguilar
Rep. Pete Aguilar represents California’s 33rd Congressional District, centered in the city and county of San Bernardino.
Aguilar is the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, making him the highest-ranking Latino in Congress.
Before joining Congress, Aguilar was the mayor of Redlands, California, and has a background in local government and community service, focusing on issues like economic development and education.
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Watch Pete Aguilar’s full DNC Convention speech here
When and where is the DNC
The Democratic National Convention runs from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.
Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton nominated for a second time.
How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC
The convention will air live on its website from the United Center in Chicago between 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) from Tuesday through Thursday.
Paste BN will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.
What are the themes for each night of the DNC?
The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. Tuesday’s theme is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.”
Here are the themes for each night:
- Monday: “For the People”
- Tuesday: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
- Wednesday: “A Fight for our Freedoms”
- Thursday: “For our Future”
Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the Paste BN Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow