Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar of Florida released a campaign advertisement on Thursday directly criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, marking a rare public break within the GOP just weeks before the midterm elections.
In the 30-second ad, Salazar states that some of Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts have “gone too far,” citing data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She highlights that in July, 50% of the 50,000 people detained had no criminal record, adding, “Be careful what your advisers are telling you about immigration policy.” The ad was filmed outside the White House and delivered in both English and Spanish.
Salazar, who represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District—a heavily Hispanic and Republican-leaning area—also appeals to Trump directly, saying, “The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.” She frames her critique as a call for dignified treatment of undocumented immigrants without endorsing amnesty, stating, “You can be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism. I’m not talking about giving them amnesty. I’m talking about giving them a dignified life in this promised land.”
Salazar faces Democratic challenger Eliott Rodríguez, a former CBS News Miami anchor and fellow Cuban American, in the November 3 midterm elections. Rodríguez has accused Salazar of hypocrisy, claiming she “desperately sought Trump’s endorsement” but now distances herself from his policies due to political pressure. Rodríguez stated in a social media video, “She owns all of these deportations, ICE harassment, family separations, and racial profiling. She voted for it. She gave Donald Trump the money and the tools to do it.”
Context and Background
Salazar’s ad follows months of controversy surrounding Trump’s immigration crackdown, which initially included large-scale street-level enforcement operations. In one such operation earlier this year, federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during raids targeting undocumented immigrants. After public backlash, the administration scaled back some highly visible operations, though deportations have remained high. A September Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 39% of Americans approved of Trump’s handling of immigration, while his overall approval rating stood at 39%.
Salazar’s legislative record reflects a mixed stance on immigration. She has supported tougher border enforcement measures, including voting for the 2023 Secure the Border Act and the 2025 Laken Riley Act, which expanded immigration enforcement and required detention of certain undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. However, she has also championed the bipartisan DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act, which proposes a pathway to legal status for some undocumented immigrants. Salazar has rejected claims that the bill amounts to amnesty, stating it provides a “moral, economic, and American” solution for working and taxpaying immigrants.
Reactions and Political Fallout
Salazar’s ad has drawn sharp reactions from fellow Republicans. The House Freedom Caucus issued a statement calling Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts praiseworthy and rejecting any form of amnesty. The statement read, “Any alien who enters this country illegally has committed a crime. The United States should deport every illegal alien. This is America, and this government should be ensuring the dignity of American citizens.”
Political analysts have noted Salazar’s ad as a significant departure from typical GOP messaging ahead of the midterms. Latino GOP consultant Mike Madrid described the ad as “a true wow moment in today’s GOP politics,” while CNN’s Abby Phillip called it a “stunning” break within the party. Salazar’s district, which is 74% Hispanic according to Census Bureau data, is considered Republican-leaning but competitive in the midterms.
A CBS News poll found that 55% of adults nationwide disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration, compared to 45% who approve. Salazar’s ad reflects broader tensions within the Republican Party, where some lawmakers representing districts with large immigrant populations are facing pressure to distance themselves from Trump’s hardline policies.
What’s Next
The White House has not publicly responded to Salazar’s ad. Her campaign has indicated that the advertisement is the first in a series planned ahead of the midterms. The race between Salazar and Rodríguez is rated as “likely Republican” by nonpartisan analysts, though Democrats view the seat as one of their better pickup opportunities. The midterm elections will determine control of the U.S. Congress, with immigration remaining a central issue for voters.