BETHPAGE, Long Island (WABC) -- Donald Trump hoped that by bringing his campaign to his home state he could re-spark his suddenly vulnerable Republican presidential bid. Wednesday night he held a rally with thousands of supporters on Long Island - along with hundreds of protesters. "First of all it's great to be home, this is home, it's great to be home. We love New York," Trump said. There was a supportive and large crowd, estimated at somewhere between 8,000 and 10,000, in an old Grumman hangar in Bethpage. There Trump blasted his closest rival Ted Cruz, reminding everyone of what Cruz once said in a debate about New York. "And I've got this guy standing over there, looking at me, talking about 'New York values', with scorn on his face, with hatred, with hatred of New York," Trump said. The latest polling shows Donald Trump with a commanding lead in New York. He's already looking ahead to the election this fall. "By the way, I will beat Hillary so badly in the general election," Trump said. There were only two minor protests inside with two arrests. Just before the rally a man in a red, white, and blue cowboy hat was taken out. Then, about 20 minutes into his speech the crowd chanted pointing to a couple of protesters, and they were also escorted out. "Get 'em out, don't hurt the person, don't hurt the person," Trump said. This crowd was loud and many spoke of anger and disappointment, us against them. "The politicians promised us things and they didn't do what they promised. This is how this man has risen to where he is today. It's a lot of frustration," said Richard Zappa, a Trump supporter. "I just think he's great. We should definitely build that wall. They need to take back the country honestly," said Steven Johnson, a Trump supporter. Trump wrapped up with a plea to vote April 19th, and he closed on a familiar line. "We are going to win, win, win. We are going to make America great again. I love you," Trump said. While there were cheers inside the rally it was a different scene outside. Dueling protests get heated at #Trump #Bethpage event; source :