The two candidates seeking to unseat Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey sparred during a fiery debate Tuesday night, exchanging sharp attacks on a range of issues. Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton and Republican attorney John Deaton clashed over President Donald Trump, sanctuary policies, Israel, and Markey himself, who did not attend the event.

Debate Highlights

Moulton heavily sought to tie Deaton to President Trump, who remains deeply unpopular in Massachusetts. Deaton insisted he has never voted for the president and would stand up for America and working people. The Republican candidate also slammed Markey for skipping the debate, calling him a coward.

Moulton defended Markey, while still urging a new generation of leadership. On immigration, the candidates offered starkly different positions. Moulton advocated for the prosecution of ICE officials who carried out Trump’s mass deportation agenda, while Deaton said the U.S. should expand legal immigration but maintain zero tolerance for illegal immigration.

Deaton also rejected calls to abolish ICE, dismissing them as an election-year slogan. On foreign aid, Deaton took a hardline stance, saying he would not support sending additional funding to Israel, Ukraine, or other countries unless it is clearly proven to serve the interests of Americans and Massachusetts residents.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.