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The Republican state senator Ileana García, co-founder of the group "Latinas por Trump", broke ranks this Saturday with President Donald Trump's immigration policy by labeling the measures implemented to stop immigrants as “unacceptable and inhumane”, a topic that has caused rising tensions in South Florida.
“I've always supported Trump, through thick and thin. However, this is unacceptable and inhumane. (...) This is not what we voted for,” García stated in Miami.
His reaction comes after it was revealed that federal agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are conducting mass raids, even in courthouses, to meet a daily goal of 3,000 deportations driven by Stephen Miller, Trump's top advisor on immigration policy.
Migration operations have focused on immigrants with ongoing legal processes, including many Cubans and Venezuelans who supported Trump in 2020.
“I understand the need to deport criminals, but this is a hunt against law-abiding individuals who fear returning to their countries,” García emphasized during an appearance reported by Miami Herald.
The legislator Ileana García is the daughter of Cuban refugees. She served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security during Trump's first term and founded "Latinas for Trump" to mobilize the Hispanic vote in support of the current president.
Her statements add to the recent comments of federal representative María Elvira Salazar, who also expressed her concern about the "uncertainty" that the raids against immigrants have generated in her predominantly Hispanic district.
Salazar, along with other Republican congressmen from Miami such as Carlos Giménez and Mario Díaz-Balart, will meet this week with the Department of Homeland Security to discuss the crisis.
The White House defended the raids by arguing that deported immigrants receive due process. However, a study by UnidosUS reveals that 78% of Hispanics believe that deportations should focus on dangerous criminals, not on established immigrants.
"I will continue to support the president, but I will denounce what I consider unjust (...) This is not about regrets; I have none. It's about addressing problems head-on and taking responsibility," García stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Policies and Their Impact on the Hispanic Community in the U.S.
Why does Ileana García oppose Trump's immigration policy?
Ileana García describes the immigration measures of Trump as “unacceptable and inhuman”, particularly the mass raids that impact immigrants who have ongoing legal processes. She believes that these actions constitute a "hunt" against individuals who are law-abiding and fear returning to their home countries.
How have other lawmakers responded to Trump's immigration measures?
Congress members such as María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez have also expressed their concerns about the impact of these measures in their districts. Salazar has announced meetings with the Department of Homeland Security to address the crisis, defending immigrants without criminal records and advocating for due process. However, she has also faced criticism for her lack of concrete actions.
What impact do immigration raids have on immigrants with I-220A?
Immigrants with I-220A are at risk of deportation despite having ongoing legal processes. Detentions during routine appointments with ICE have created significant uncertainty, especially for Cubans and Venezuelans who fear being deported to the countries they fled in search of freedom.
What actions is María Elvira Salazar taking to protect immigrants?
María Elvira Salazar has proposed a law known as the "Dignity Law" to provide legal status to immigrants without criminal records. Although her proposal has been criticized by some as unnecessary, she continues to advocate for the recognition of the I-220A as a legal entry for adjusting status under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
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