Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida on Sunday publicly urged President Donald Trump to reconsider aspects of his administration’s immigration enforcement policies, citing concerns that they risk alienating Hispanic voters who helped propel Trump to victory in 2024.
Salazar, who represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District, made the remarks during an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, following the release of a campaign ad in which she warned that some Hispanic voters "feel betrayed" by the administration’s immigration actions. She stated she had directly conveyed this message to Trump in a recent conversation, describing it as a "very good" and "receptive" exchange.
In the ad, Salazar argued that Trump’s immigration policies had "gone too far," particularly highlighting cases where individuals with no criminal record were detained. She emphasized the complexity of immigration as a political issue, noting public support for reform while also acknowledging the administration’s enforcement priorities.
Salazar framed her critique as a strategic warning, telling Trump in their conversation: "Sir, you have this moment in history where you can keep the pot of gold that you have brought to the GOP in 2024. Please preserve that fortune that you have brought to the party." She cited Trump’s historic 2024 performance with Hispanic voters, where he won 55% of their support, as a critical asset for the Republican Party that should not be squandered.
The Florida Republican, who is Cuban American and the daughter of political refugees, positioned herself as a bridge between the administration and the Miami Hispanic community. She stressed the importance of preserving what she described as shared GOP values among Hispanic voters, including economic opportunity and opposition to socialism.
Salazar’s ad marked one of the most direct public criticisms of Trump’s immigration policies from a sitting Republican lawmaker, coming just weeks before the midterm elections. While she has previously expressed reservations about deportation efforts, this marked a more pronounced break from the White House’s approach. The administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement campaign has drawn scrutiny for cases involving individuals with no criminal background, a point Salazar highlighted in her messaging.
During the interview, Salazar also addressed recent reports that the White House had blocked certain journalists from attending briefings, though she defended Trump’s media accessibility overall, stating he engages with a wide range of outlets through social media and other platforms. She did not directly address whether the bans violated First Amendment principles, instead emphasizing Trump’s communication style as distinct from prior administrations.
The White House has not publicly responded to Salazar’s remarks or her campaign ad as of publication.