Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, a member of the Republican Party, released a bilingual video on Thursday on her personal X account. Filmed in front of the White House, Salazar directly challenges former President Donald Trump over his policies on mass deportations, warning that the Hispanic voters who once supported him now feel "betrayed."
The video message marks the first of several campaign ads Salazar plans to unveil ahead of the 2026 general elections on November 3, where she aims to secure her fourth consecutive term representing Florida's 27th District (CD-27).
According to Florida Politics, the ad specifically targets a district where a significant 73.5% of residents are Hispanic, with over half having been born outside the United States.
Salazar Criticizes Trump, Yet Avoids Direct Opposition
"Mr. President, your immigration policies have gone too far. In July, your administration detained 50,000 people, half of whom had no criminal records. Be wary of what your advisors tell you," Salazar states in the video.
She adds, "I'm not talking about amnesty; I'm talking about giving them a dignified life in the promised land, and only you can make that happen."
The impact of Trump's deportation policies on the Hispanic community continues to stir debate. Stay updated on these issues through our U.S. Immigration section.
In the English version of her message, Salazar draws parallels between Trump's potential immigration legacy and the historic actions of Abraham Lincoln on slavery and Ronald Reagan on communism.
This isn't the first time Salazar has clashed with her party's hardline stance on immigration. In December 2025, she condemned Trump's immigration pause affecting citizens from Cuba and 18 other countries as "un-American," labeling it as "collective punishment" for those following legal processes.
Salazar's Legislative Efforts and Stance
In March of the same year, she defended undocumented immigrants without criminal records, asserting that "the just should not pay for the sinners," and advocated for Cubans with I-220A and Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries.
In June, Salazar distanced herself from Trump's policies by supporting a Supreme Court decision that upheld birthright citizenship for children born to parents without legal status in the U.S.
Salazar is a leading advocate for the Dignity Act, reintroduced in July 2025 alongside Democrat Veronica Escobar. The bipartisan proposal does not offer amnesty or a direct path to citizenship but provides renewable seven-year protection periods against deportation for those who work, study, and pay restitution.
Tight Race Ahead of November Elections
Salazar's opponent in November is Eliott Rodríguez, a former CBS Miami anchor, who has centered his campaign on immigration issues against the congresswoman.
An internal poll by Bendixen & Amandi International for Rodríguez's campaign shows both candidates tied at 45% among likely voters, with Trump facing a 54% disapproval rating in the district. Several analysts have reclassified the seat from "solid Republican" to "likely Republican."
Financially, Salazar leads with $2 million in her campaign coffers compared to Rodríguez's $661,000. However, she has declined three invitations to televised debates that her opponent accepted.
Public Reaction to Salazar's Video
Reactions to Salazar's video on social media were largely skeptical. Notable activist and communicator Carlos Eduardo Espina commented, "Don't delete this video, María Elvira; we know who you are. You're scared, but it's too late. In November, you're out."
Several users questioned the timing of Salazar's challenge to Trump, with one noting, "We appreciate your words, but wrongdoing must be recognized, and I think you're acknowledging it too close to the elections."
Another user added, "If this video is removed, we know they've gotten to her again."
Florida's general elections are set for November 3, with CD-27 among six state seats the Democratic Congressional Committee considers competitive.
Understanding the Political Landscape in Florida's 27th District
What is the Dignity Act?
The Dignity Act is a bipartisan legislative proposal that provides renewable seven-year protection against deportation for individuals who work, study, and pay restitution. It does not offer amnesty or a direct path to citizenship.
Why is María Elvira Salazar critical of Trump's immigration policies?
María Elvira Salazar criticizes Trump's immigration policies for being too extreme, particularly highlighting the detention of individuals without criminal records and advocating for a more humane approach that provides dignity to immigrants.
How significant is the Hispanic vote in Florida's 27th District?
The Hispanic vote is highly significant in Florida's 27th District, with 73.5% of its residents being Hispanic and more than half born outside the United States, making immigration a pivotal issue in elections.