Republican Rep. Salazar Warns Trump Immigration Crackdown Alienates Hispanic Voters

Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar of Florida released a campaign video Thursday telling President Donald Trump his immigration enforcement efforts have "gone too far." She warned that Hispanic voters who helped elect him in 2024 now feel betrayed ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Salazar cited data stating 50% of the 50,000 people detained by ICE in July had no criminal records. She urged Trump to be careful about the advice he receives on immigration policy. More than 100,000 migrants were arrested by ICE and CBP in July and August, a record for Trump's second term.

“The average American understands the difference between the drug trafficker and the nanny, the gangster and the gardener.”

The congresswoman represents a majority-Hispanic district in South Florida that backed Trump by nearly 15 points in 2024. Recent polling shows her race against Democrat Eliott Rodríguez tied at 45% each, with 54% of district voters disapproving of Trump.

Salazar said Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation" that she spoke with Trump by phone after the video's release. She described him as "very receptive" and a "gentleman" during the conversation. A White House official confirmed the call but provided no details.

Salazar has previously opposed the administration's termination of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, arguing they cannot return to repression under Nicolás Maduro. She joined fellow Florida Republicans Carlos Giménez and Mario Díaz-Balart in that stance.