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The Hispanic community in South Florida shows significant support for President Donald Trump's mass deportation immigration policy, according to a recent analysis by the AP.
Despite the fact that the region is home to large communities of Cubans, Venezuelans, and other Latin Americans, protests against immigration measures have been minimal compared to previous administrations, the media points out.
For example, in Hialeah, a city with a 95% Hispanic population, only three residents attended a city council meeting to oppose an agreement between the local police and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The same happened in Coral Gables, where most of the residents are of Cuban origin, highlights the news agency.
While some Cubans who voted for Trump now express regret, the overall response to the tightening of immigration policies indicates a shift to the right among Florida's Hispanic electorate.
In the 2024 elections, Trump not only won Miami-Dade County but also Seminole and Osceola counties, which have a growing Venezuelan population hopeful that the president can remove Nicolás Maduro from power.
Additionally, it made progress in Puerto Rican areas of Pennsylvania and in traditionally Democratic border counties of Texas.
AP VoteCast polls indicate that 7 out of 10 Hispanic voters in Florida support reducing asylum applications at the border.
Among Latino men, support for the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was lower compared to the support received by Joe Biden in 2020.
Some members of the Hispanic community have expressed their support for deportations. Frank Ayllon, a 41-year-old resident of Miami, stated that many Latinos view Trump's policies incorrectly.
"Many take it personally, but it’s not. The reality is that the border has been open for too long," Ayllon said.
Barbara Canales, a resident of Hialeah who emigrated with her mother from Honduras on a visa and spent years regularizing her status, holds a similar opinion.
"You have to follow the rules. If you are here illegally, you must face the consequences," Canales stated, adding that the current migration is different from that of past generations.
Even among the Cuban exiles, the views on migration are varied. While Luis Boulart, an 85-year-old Cuban who obtained citizenship in 2022, voted for Trump and trusts his handling of immigration; Julian Padron, a 79-year-old political prisoner, believes the president's policies are undemocratic.
"Don't you all realize that people continue to flee from communism?" Padrón questioned, while watching a game of dominoes in Little Havana.
The support of Hispanics for Trump is not solely based on immigration, but also on his stance against socialist governments, his promise of economic growth, and his focus on reducing the cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions about Latino Support for Trump's Immigration Policies in Florida
Why do Latinos in South Florida support the mass deportations driven by Trump?
Latinos in South Florida support Trump's mass deportations due to a political shift to the right and a focus on immigration security. This support is reflected in backing stricter policies at the border and in the perception that these measures are essential to protect the country's economy and security.
How has the Latino vote influenced the 2024 presidential elections in the United States?
The Latino vote was decisive for Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential elections. This group of voters, which represents an increasingly influential segment, showed significant support for Trump in key states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas, enabling him to consolidate and return to the White House.
What measures has Florida taken to collaborate with Trump's immigration policies?
Florida, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, has implemented agreements such as the 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. These measures strengthen the enforcement of strict immigration laws and align the state with the federal strategy of mass deportations.
What is the stance of the Cuban-American community in Miami regarding Trump?
The Cuban-American community in Miami has shown record support for Donald Trump, reaching 68% among likely Cuban-American voters in Miami-Dade. This support is due to the perception that Trump represents change and a opposition to the socialist regimes that many of them have left behind.
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