Florida Republican Senator, Ileana García, once a prominent Hispanic ally of Donald Trump and the founder of "Latinas for Trump," has publicly distanced herself from the former president by condemning his current immigration policies as inhumane.
The senator, who is the daughter of Cuban immigrants, clarified that her stance does not signify an ideological split with the Republican Party, but rather expresses her deep concern over the human impact these policies have on immigrant communities, especially in South Florida.
García played a pivotal role during Trump's initial presidential campaign. Back in 2016, alongside other women from Miami, she launched "Latinas for Trump," a group that played a strategic part in mobilizing Hispanic female voters, which contributed to Trump's electoral success and his ascension to the White House.
During Trump's first term, García served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, solidifying her status as a significant Hispanic figure within his administration. However, her current stance represents a marked shift on one of the Republican agenda's most sensitive issues.
During an appearance on Telemundo 51's "Virtual Meeting with Gloria Ordaz," García openly criticized the direction of Trump's immigration policies, asserting that they do not align with the values or realities of many immigrant families residing and working in the United States.
She explained that her critique stems from direct experience and close interactions with immigrant communities, whom she describes as hardworking individuals contributing to the economy and seeking stability for their families. From her perspective, some immigration measures have caused unnecessary suffering and disproportionately affected vulnerable sectors.
García also mentioned that numerous voices within the Republican Party share her concerns but choose not to express them publicly due to fear of political backlash. Although she reiterated her commitment to her Republican affiliation and conservative principles, she emphasized the need to reassess the approach to immigration.
Her statements highlight ongoing tensions within the party regarding an issue that remains central to national politics and, according to the senator, requires leadership, sensitivity, and coherence with the reality faced by millions of immigrants in the country.
In June, García broke ranks with Trump's immigration policy, labeling the measures to detain immigrants as "unacceptable and inhumane." "I have always supported Trump, through thick and thin. However, this is unacceptable and inhumane... This is not what we voted for," García declared in Miami.
Her reaction followed reports of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting mass raids, including in courthouses, aiming to meet a daily target of 3,000 deportations driven by Stephen Miller, Trump's chief immigration policy advisor.
"I understand the need to deport criminals, but this is a witch hunt against law-abiding individuals fearful of returning to their countries," García emphasized in a statement cited by the Miami Herald.
In November 2020, Ileana García emerged victorious as the state senator for Florida's 37th district, following a closely contested election against Democrat José Javier Rodríguez. The Republican was officially declared the winner in the district, which spans from Miami to Key Biscayne and Cutler Bay, with a majority Hispanic population, by a margin of 34 votes.
"I am deeply honored by the final results of this election. I am committed to bringing the concerns of the 37th district residents to Tallahassee and will work to make the American dream a possibility for all families in our community," she stated in a press release.
"I will immediately begin efforts to strengthen opportunity scholarships, boost small business growth for job creation, and urgently address the cleanup of Biscayne Bay. As State Senator for the 37th district, I will tirelessly advocate for the interests of my constituents at the State Capitol," she assured at the time.
Key Issues in Florida's Immigration Policies
Why did Ileana García criticize Trump's immigration policies?
Ileana García criticized Trump's immigration policies as inhumane because she believes they cause unnecessary suffering and disproportionately impact vulnerable immigrant communities.
What role did García play in Trump's initial presidential campaign?
García was a key figure in Trump's initial presidential campaign, founding "Latinas for Trump" to mobilize Hispanic female voters and support his election bid.
How did García's position on immigration policies affect her standing within the Republican Party?
While García's position on immigration policies highlights internal tensions, she maintains her Republican affiliation and conservative principles, calling for a reassessment of the party's approach to immigration.