Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar reacted with irony to the billboard placed alongside a highway in Miami-Dade that labels her, Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz Balart, and Marco Rubio as traitors.
In an interview with Mario Vallejo for Univision, Salazar stated that he would tell those who funded the banner the same thing he would tell those who believe socialism is good.
It says that those who believe Socialism is good are challenged to go to Cuba for two weeks to experience Socialism; and in this case, those who call them “traitors” are invited to travel to Washington for two weeks to see firsthand how hard they work.
"That's the same as what I'm telling the people who put up the fence... 'Us, traitors?'" he questioned.
“I give you the opportunity to come and spend two weeks with me so you can see what it truly means to work for district 27,” he concluded.
In recent days, regarding the Salazar billboard, he stated to the Miami Herald, through his spokesperson: “No one in the U.S. Congress has fought harder than I have for Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans fleeing the dictatorship. This is cheap propaganda in the Castro style.”
Does María Elvira agree with the suspension of travel and remittances to Cuba?
In another part of the interview -which will be aired in full this Sunday- the congresswoman shared her opinion on the request by Giménez to suspend travel and remittances to Cuba.
"The reality is that Jiménez has a point. We Cubans must understand that we are the first ones who ask for the embargo to be upheld, and we are the first ones who violate it," he said.
"We are the first to come here and request asylum, and after a year and three months, we go over there, to Varadero, to celebrate the girl's quinceañera... That's outrageous, that shouldn't be happening," he added.
It remains to be seen whether in the full interview the congresswoman clarified her response, and whether she completely agrees or not with her colleague in Congress.
The fence everyone is talking about in Miami
The controversial billboard placed along the Palmetto Expressway accuses Cuban-American politicians in South Florida of being "traitors" for not supporting the immigrant community against the stringent immigration policies enacted during the Donald Trump administration.
The poster image features the black-and-white faces of the current U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, alongside Cuban-American representatives María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart.
All appear against a red background, accompanied by the word “TRAITORS” in white uppercase letters.
Below, the message concludes with a triple accusation: “To immigrants. To Miami-Dade. To the American Dream”.
At the bottom of the poster, the message “Protect TPS / Protejan TPS” (Temporary Protected Status) is visible, accompanied by the Venezuelan flag, reinforcing the complaint regarding the apparent indifference or rejection of those mentioned in maintaining this humanitarian immigration policy.
According to a report by El Nuevo Herald, the billboard is part of a campaign initiated by the Miami-Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus, an organization affiliated with the Democratic Party, which calls out the inaction and silence of these Republican leaders in response to recent measures by Trump.
The advertising campaign comes at a time when President Trump has reactivated extreme immigration control measures, including the use of an old war law to send hundreds of alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador.
Furthermore, more than half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are facing the loss of their legal status following the announcement that parole programs will be eliminated and TPS will be restricted, as part of a systematic effort to dismantle the immigration protections established during the Biden administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about María Elvira Salazar's Statements and the Immigration Situation in Cuba
What does María Elvira Salazar think about the billboard that accuses her of being a traitor?
The congresswoman María Elvira Salazar reacted with irony to the billboard accusing her of being a traitor, stating that she sees it as "cheap propaganda in the style of Castro." She invited those who criticize her to spend two weeks in Washington to observe her work.
Does María Elvira Salazar agree with the suspension of trips and remittances to Cuba?
María Elvira Salazar acknowledges that Carlos Giménez has a point when he proposes suspending trips and remittances to Cuba. She criticizes that Cubans want to maintain the embargo but often violate it by returning to the island for family events.
What is María Elvira Salazar's stance on the deportation of Cuban repressors?
María Elvira Salazar supports the deportation of Cuban repressors who entered the U.S. with humanitarian visas. She believes that humanitarian visas should be for the victims of the regime, not for their oppressors.
What are the consequences of the revocation of humanitarian parole for Cubans in the U.S.?
The revocation of humanitarian parole affects thousands of Cubans who now face the risk of deportation. An estimated 26,000 Cubans could be left without legal protection. Those who have not completed one year and one day in the U.S. or have not started their immigration process are in a particularly complicated situation.
What actions has María Elvira Salazar taken to protect Cuban migrants?
María Elvira Salazar has requested that the Department of Homeland Security not deport Cubans who are in the process of regularization under the Cuban Adjustment Act. She has been active in defending Cubans with I-220A, urging that their asylum cases be heard.
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