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Moline’s Floreciente Neighborhood weighs in on Trump’s immigration policy

“I don’t think the Hispanics are going to support him because of all the stuff he says,” salon owner Adela Ortega, on Donald Trump’s imm...

MOLINE -- As Donald Trump slams an open border policy and calls for zero tolerance, his comments prompt anxiety and fear in Moline's largely Hispanic Floreciente Neighborhood.

Three years after opening her hair salon on 4th Avenue, Adela Ortega is living the American dream.

"Don't have to answer to anybody except your appointment book," she said.

But when talk turns to Donald Trump's immigration policy, it seems like a nightmare for her.

"I don't think the Hispanics are going to support him because of all of the stuff he says," she continued.

Trump took a subdued tone Wednesday in Mexico.

"We will work together," he said.  "We will get these problems solved."

But hours later in Arizona, he was turning up the heat.

"Day one, my first hour in office, these people are gone," Trump said.

"Sadly, the fear brings more fear," said Father Guillermo Treviño, who ministers to a large Hispanic congregation in Davenport. "We can have a healthy, rational discussion without playing into fear."

Father Treviño, who grew up in the Floreciente Neighborhood, knows that threats about building walls and deportation won't be popular there.

"I think the fear tactics that try to get people riled up are also scaring people as well," he said.

A few miles away, there's a different feeling at Scott County Republican Headquarters.

"People think he's going to pick on Hispanics, but he's not," said John Ortega, who supports Trump's tough talk.

Ortega is trying to broaden Trump support by reaching out to a variety of groups.

"He will work for everybody," he continued.  "Not just Hispanics, but all Americans."

Back at the salon, it's obvious that Trump has an uphill battle there.

"A lot of people that I have asked say they're going to vote for Hillary," Adela said.

She adds that Trump shouldn't count on getting Hispanic votes.

"It's going to take something big," she concluded.

Something huge, apparently, in the Floreciente Neighborhood.

 

 

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