Trump-focused Texas border rally blends politics and religion

Hundreds of protesters from around the U.S. flocked to a Texas border town on Saturday to vent over illegal immigration and show support for former President Donald Trump at a rally that blended border politics with religious rhetoric.

At the rally in Quemado, Texas, vendors sold shirts, flags and hats promoting the Republican former president while conservative speakers touted conservative Christian values and criticized the border policies of President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

"Folks, this is serious stuff, this is evil stuff" U.S. Representative Keith Self said of Biden's policies. "We are in a spiritual battle for the survival of our Republic."

Immigration has become a potent political issue in the run-up to Nov. 5 elections that will likely pit Biden versus Trump, reprising the 2020 contest.

Trump has motivated his voting base with calls for more restrictive border practices. His critics worry such policies and events such as a convoy that preceded the rally could stoke tensions.