Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed her gratitude—almost with excitement—at the unveiling of not one, but six billboards countering a billboard on Palmetto that accused her, along with Marco Rubio, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez, of being traitors. "I return to District 27, and my staff informs me there's a billboard war. There's a billboard on Palmetto, funded by the Democrats, calling me a traitor. But then, six billboards appear to counteract that message, funded by the I-220A community, expressing gratitude and identifying the true traitors," María Elvira stated in a video shared on X.
She emphasized that Cubans with I-220A, who have experienced the harsh realities of communism, understand who the real traitors are. "They know very well that we in Congress are the only ones helping them. We're working to make that 'useless paper' the Biden Administration gave them serve a purpose, allowing them to receive parole and be eligible under the Cuban Adjustment Act. I'm the one grateful because it's six billboards against one," she proudly added.
The congresswoman criticized Democrats for labeling them as traitors when, in her view, the real traitors are the dictators who have ruined those countries. The Republican took the opportunity to reaffirm her support for Cubans with I-220A and her commitment to their legalization. "I, María Elvira, remain committed to the I-220A. Under President Trump's administration, I know you will receive your parole and legality," she concluded, reiterating her promise of support.
María Elvira's Previous Reaction
In an interview last week with Mario Vallejo for Univision, Salazar mentioned she would say to those who funded the billboard the same thing she tells people who think socialism is beneficial. She challenges those who believe in socialism to spend two weeks in Cuba experiencing it firsthand. Similarly, she invites those calling them "traitors" to spend two weeks in Washington to see the hard work they do.
"That's what I'm saying to the people behind the billboard... Us, traitors?" she questioned. "I offer them the chance to spend two weeks with me to see what it truly means to work for District 27," she concluded.
Recently, regarding the billboard, Salazar had told the Miami Herald through her spokesperson, "No one in the U.S. Congress has fought more than I have for Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans fleeing dictatorship. This is cheap propaganda in the style of Castro."
The Billboard Everyone is Talking About in Miami
The controversial billboard on Palmetto Highway accuses Cuban-American politicians from South Florida of being "traitors" for not supporting the immigrant community amid the harsh immigration policies implemented during Donald Trump's administration. The billboard features black-and-white images of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside Cuban-American representatives María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart, set against a red background with the word "TRAITORS" in bold white letters.
Beneath, the message accuses them of betraying "Immigrants," "Miami-Dade," and "The American Dream," urging the protection of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and displaying the Venezuelan flag, highlighting the apparent neglect or opposition of these leaders towards maintaining this humanitarian immigration policy.
According to El Nuevo Herald, the billboard is part of a campaign led by the Democrat Hispanic Caucus of Miami-Dade County, an organization linked to the Democratic Party, calling out the inaction and silence of these Republican leaders in response to Trump's recent measures.
The True Traitors
However, the situation escalated with new billboards—one placed in Hialeah—displaying the faces of Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, Miguel Díaz-Canel, Nicolás Maduro, Hugo Chávez, and Daniel Ortega, alongside the message in English: "The real traitors – To their people. To freedom. To human rights." This initiative was reportedly funded by over 180 Cubans with I-220A immigration status.
"We felt outraged. We responded with the truth: the real traitors are those communist regimes that forced us to flee our countries," said Lianet Pérez, one of the campaign's organizers, in statements to Telemundo 51. "We are very grateful to those congressmen. They have raised their voices for us from the beginning," she noted.
The group aims to highlight the immigration plight of those living in legal limbo, without access to benefits or solid immigration protections. They claim their actions are not driven by partisan interests but by recognition of those they consider allies in their struggle.
They have already established communication with the offices of the mentioned congressmen and have announced a rally in front of the Capitol on April 25 at 9:00 a.m., continuing to demand a legal solution for their cases.
Understanding the Billboard Controversy in Miami
What triggered the billboard war in Miami?
The billboard war was sparked by a controversial sign on Palmetto Highway accusing Cuban-American politicians of being traitors for not supporting immigrant communities against the harsh policies of the Trump administration.
Who funded the counter-billboards?
The counter-billboards were funded by over 180 Cubans with I-220A immigration status, aiming to identify the real traitors as the communist regimes that forced them to flee their home countries.
What is the I-220A community's stance?
The I-220A community appreciates the efforts of certain congressmen advocating for their rights and aims to bring attention to their precarious legal status, seeking a permanent solution.