The head of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Miami-Dade, Abel S. Delgado, has announced plans for additional billboards like the one currently on display along the Palmetto Expressway, situated between Doral and Hialeah. This billboard labels three Cuban-American congress members—María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart—along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as "traitors." Delgado emphasizes the necessity for these officials to leverage their influence to prevent the deportation of Cuban immigrants who entered the United States legally, referencing individuals with I-220A and Humanitarian Parole statuses, under the Trump Administration's policies.
Delgado argues that the close nature of congressional votes makes the support of Florida's representatives crucial, and thus, these lawmakers should advocate for the Cuban community's interests. During a Good Friday interview with CiberCuba, Delgado criticized the targeting of immigrants holding I-220A and the suspension of Parole, which was halted by Boston Judge Indira Talwani, despite President Trump's electoral promise to focus on those illegally residing in the country or with criminal records.
The Impact of Political Decisions on Cuban Immigrants
According to Delgado, many voters feel betrayed, approaching the Democratic Hispanic Caucus to express sentiments like, "I didn't vote for this." The Palmetto Expressway billboard, intended to remain for about a month, has sparked discussions about the role expected of Republican representatives to curb the targeting of legally admitted Cubans. After the billboard went viral, Cuban individuals with I-220A responded with another billboard, labeling figures like Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, Díaz-Canel, Maduro, Chávez, and Ortega as the real traitors.
Delgado has controversially compared those facilitating deportations with dictators, though he acknowledges that Florida's politicians were chosen through democratic processes, unlike dictators. When questioned about whether Obama is considered a traitor for ending the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy, Delgado admitted disagreement with the former president's decision but also disagreed with blaming President Joe Biden for leaving Cubans with I-220A and Parole in legal limbo.
The Billboard Battle Continues
On the matter of deporting communists to Cuba, Delgado expressed no objections, arguing that individuals who gained entry to the U.S. by concealing their Communist Party affiliations or political responsibilities deserve deportation. The billboard campaign has only just begun, Delgado noted, with the initial billboard being red to symbolize both the MAGA movement and the Communist Party of Cuba.
Understanding the Political Tensions in Florida
Why are the billboards targeting Cuban-American legislators?
The billboards aim to pressure Cuban-American legislators to use their influence to protect Cuban immigrants with legal entry statuses from deportation under previous administrative policies.
What is the significance of the red color on the billboard?
The red color is symbolic, representing both the MAGA movement and the Communist Party of Cuba, signaling a dual message of criticism and political identity.
How has the community reacted to the billboard campaign?
The campaign has generated significant attention, leading to discussions on the responsibilities of Republican representatives and a counter-response from Cuban individuals with their own billboard.