During a protest in Miami, Cuban-American and former Democratic Congressman Joe Garcia expressed sharp criticism of President Donald Trump, highlighting issues of authoritarianism and immigrant rights. A video, shared on TikTok by user tito_0488, captured Garcia's interview with Cuban journalist Yusnaby Pérez, where Garcia spoke candidly about immigration policy and the influence of Cubans in South Florida.
Garcia emphasized the need for courage in standing up for immigrant rights, asserting, "When you talk about an immigrant, you're talking about me, my family, us. That's what makes this country great." He pointed out that President Joe Biden has allowed more Cubans into the U.S. than any previous president, lamenting that many Cuban-Americans seem disconnected from their own interests when it comes to voting.
When questioned by Pérez about the political shift in Miami-Dade County, Garcia remarked, "I don't know if it's a change in color, but it shows a reality. You have to vote your interest." He further reminded the audience, "Democrats were the ones who created the Cuban Adjustment Act. They're the ones who let people come."
Garcia praised Biden's policies, stating, "In less than four years, Biden welcomed nearly a million Cubans and provided shelter. How can we accuse him? We should be grateful," contrasting this with Trump's approach. He criticized Trump, saying, "This guy goes to court every day to take away your rights and the rights of everyone."
The protest, marked by signs such as "No more Commanders" and "I didn't escape a dictatorship to suffer another," drew numerous Cuban exiles warning against the dangers of repeating authoritarian patterns in the United States.
Understanding Cuban Immigration and Political Dynamics in South Florida
What did Joe Garcia say about Cuban immigration under President Biden?
Joe Garcia highlighted that President Biden allowed nearly a million Cubans to enter the U.S. and provided them with shelter, more than any other president before him.
How did Joe Garcia criticize President Trump's policies?
Garcia criticized Trump for frequently going to court with the intent of stripping away the rights of immigrants and others, in contrast to Biden's welcoming policies.
What was the main message of the protest in Miami?
The protest aimed to reject authoritarianism and defend immigrant rights, with many Cuban exiles warning against the repetition of authoritarian patterns in the U.S.