Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump acknowledged the shortcomings of his administration's initial immigration policies. She highlighted that the leadership change at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marks the beginning of a new approach.
Salazar shared in an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón, released on social media, that "President Trump realized that the immigration policies against Venezuelans and Cubans in the first year did not succeed."
She argued that there has been a recent "shift" within the administration that could potentially improve the circumstances for thousands of migrants, especially those from Cuba and Venezuela affected by policies like the I-220A, TPS, or the cancellation of immigration benefits.
"I am very hopeful that things will change quickly because the head of Homeland Security was removed. But it's not just that; President Trump understood that the immigration policies against Venezuelans and Cubans during the first year didn't work," Salazar emphasized.
The congresswoman further suggested that the president may not have fully grasped the impact of certain measures enacted by his administration.
"I am sure the president didn't realize the severity and scope of the I-220A, the TPS, and the policies affecting Venezuelans and Haitians... a number of policies that contradict what the Republican Party stands for," she stated.
According to Salazar, this realization has led to a shift in focus within the DHS.
"There has been a change that occurred two weeks ago. There's a shift within DHS, which oversees ICE and all immigration matters," she explained, mentioning the appointment of new figures within the system.
"That's why they appointed Mark Wayne Mullin, who is a very good person that I know well, and I am confident he will change the current spirit," she said, expressing confidence in a transformation of existing immigration policy.
Salazar also noted that signs of this change are already becoming evident on the ground.
"Two weeks ago, my friends in the immigration court told me that ICE agents were no longer outside the courts taking people away when prosecutors closed cases," she mentioned.
Salazar stressed that the new strategy would focus exclusively on migrants with criminal records.
"Now they will concentrate solely on criminals. Because if you have a criminal record, I can't do anything for you," she asserted.
In contrast, she supported the continued presence of migrants without criminal backgrounds.
"But if you have the I-220A, if you're someone who's been here, if you're Venezuelan and have TPS and have been working, why would they take you away?" she questioned.
During the interview, Pentón expressed skepticism about whether the president truly lacked awareness of the policies' reach.
"With all due respect, I believe President Trump knew exactly what he was doing," Pentón told María Elvira, to which Salazar responded by clarifying her stance.
"I'm not saying he didn't know; he gave the order. But there are many small regulations that I have to believe weren't consulted," she insisted.
The congresswoman defended her advocacy for migrants, claiming to be one of the most active voices in Congress.
"I sent seven hundred letters during 2025, and I was the one who talked the most about the I-220A," she assured.
Additionally, she acknowledged the gravity of the situation faced by thousands of people without clear status or work permits.
"I'm the first to know. I represent district 27. Do you think those people don't call my office? Of course, I know. It breaks my heart to see their plight," she expressed.
In that context, she reiterated her commitment to those affected: "I’m in a position where I am an elected official for those people who are suffering that harm."
Salazar also took the opportunity to criticize both the current and previous administrations.
Regarding former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, she questioned the use of the I-220A: "What does that piece of paper mean? It means nothing."
And she sent a direct message to the Democrats: "Don’t tell me they are the heroes of this story."
Despite the criticisms and uncertainty, the congresswoman remained optimistic about the future.
"Yes, they will hear me, you'll see," she affirmed, referring to her efforts in Congress and with the administration.
Meanwhile, thousands of migrants continue to await concrete actions that support the potential policy shift announced from Washington.
Understanding the Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
What changes have been made in the U.S. immigration policy under Trump's administration?
According to Congresswoman Salazar, there has been a recent shift in focus within the Department of Homeland Security, with new leadership aiming to adjust policies that were previously against Cuban and Venezuelan migrants.
How might these changes impact Venezuelan and Cuban migrants?
The adjustments could potentially alleviate the conditions for Venezuelan and Cuban migrants, particularly those affected by policies like the I-220A and TPS, by shifting focus away from non-criminal migrants.