Robin Peguero, Democratic Candidate, Criticizes Trump's Record on Cuban Deportations

Robin Peguero, a 40-year-old Democratic candidate for Congress representing Florida's 27th District, recently spoke with CiberCuba where he accused former President Trump of deporting more Cubans than any other U.S. president in history.

This claim is a direct criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies and is aimed at engaging the Cuban electorate in South Florida. This group, traditionally supportive of the Republican Party, has expressed dissatisfaction with the current government's approach to immigration.

Understanding the Cuban Community's Struggles

Having grown up in Hialeah from the age of five, Peguero presents himself as intimately familiar with the Cuban community's challenges. "I was raised in Hialeah, surrounded by neighbors, friends, and schoolmates who are Cuban, sharing stories of the ongoing struggles faced by those still suffering under the Cuban regime," he remarked.

Focus on Immigration Reform

A key commitment of Peguero's platform is to resume processing cases for Cubans with I-220A forms under the Cuban Adjustment Act, a process halted by the Trump administration on January 20, 2025. "The process for Cubans holding I-220A has been frozen. We need to return to processing these cases under the Cuban Adjustment Act," Peguero stated.

He described the current situation for these migrants as dire: "They are in limbo, they are scared, because their cases are not being processed, and they lack the pathway to citizenship they once had."

Deportation Statistics Back Peguero's Claims

Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows that 4,883 Cubans were deported between January 2025 and February 2026, surpassing the 3,385 deported during Trump's first term and the 416 deportations under George W. Bush, supporting Peguero's assertions.

Criticism of Republican Opponent

Peguero used the interview to critique his opponent, Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, accusing her of being two-faced: "The issue with Congresswoman Salazar is that she says one thing in English and something completely different in Spanish."

According to Peguero, Salazar has stated in English that she would support the return of Cubans who arrived after the July 11 protests with I-220A, but does not repeat this in Spanish. "She only has one constituent that matters: President Donald J. Trump, not, unfortunately, the members of our community who are suffering," he concluded.

Comprehensive Approach to Deportations

The former homicide prosecutor clarified his stance on deportations: "Everyone here under I-220A without a violent criminal background should be allowed to stay. Those who are violent criminals need to be deported. They have forfeited the privilege to remain in this country."

Stance on U.S. Policy Toward Cuba

Regarding Cuba, Peguero dismissed concerns that a Democratic administration would ease pressure on the dictatorship. "We must maintain maximum pressure on the government and military authorities in Cuba, but we should not harm the Cuban civilian population."

During the interview, Peguero also identified himself as a "capitalist Democrat" fiercely opposed to communism and socialism, both in Cuba and the United States.

Peguero, a Harvard-educated lawyer with 20 years of public service experience, was part of the investigative team for the January 6 committee. He is competing in the Democratic primary on August 18, 2026, having raised over $820,000 from approximately 6,000 individual donors.

Florida's 27th District, which is 74% Hispanic and includes Little Havana, Coral Gables, and parts of Kendall, is emerging as one of the most competitive seats in the 2026 elections and a potential indicator of Latino support for Trump.