The Republican congresswoman María Elvira Salazar stated this Thursday that President Donald Trump acknowledged the failure of the immigration policies implemented during the first year of his administration, and that the change in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marks the beginning of a shift.
"President Trump realized that immigration policies against Venezuelans and Cubans in the first year did not work", Salazar stated in an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón published on social media.
Salazar argued that there is a recent "turn" within the administration that could alleviate the situation of thousands of migrants, particularly Cubans and Venezuelans affected by measures such as the I-220A, TPS, or the cancellation of immigration benefits.
“I have a lot of hope that things will change quickly because they removed the head of Homeland Security, but it's not just that; President Trump realized that the immigration policies against Venezuelans and Cubans didn't work in the first year”, she stated.
The congresswoman went further by suggesting that the president was not fully aware of the impact of certain decisions made during his administration.
"I am sure that the president was not aware of the severity and scope of the people from I-220A, of TPS, of the Venezuelans, of the Haitians... a number of policies that go against what the Republican Party represents", she stated.
According to Salazar, this recognition has resulted in a shift in focus within the DHS.
“There has been a shift that occurred two weeks ago. There is a change within DHS, which oversees ICE and everything related to immigration”, he explained, while pointing to the appointment of new figures within the system.
"That's why they put Mark Wayne Mullin in, who is a very good person, someone I know very well, and I believe he will change the spirit," he said, expressing confidence that current immigration policy will be altered.
The congresswoman also stated that signs of that change are already beginning to be seen on the ground.
"Two weeks ago, my friends from the immigration court were telling me that ICE agents were no longer outside the courts taking people away when the prosecutors closed the case," she noted.
Salazar insisted that the new approach would be directed exclusively at migrants with criminal records.
"Now they are going to focus solely and exclusively on criminals. Because if you have a criminal record, I can't do anything for you," he stated.
In contrast, he defended the presence of migrants with no criminal record.
“But if you have the I-220A, if you are someone who has been here, you are Venezuelan and have TPS and have been working, why would they take that away from you?”, he questioned.
During the interview, Pentón raised questions about whether the president was truly unaware of the impact of the policies implemented.
"With all due respect, I believe that President Trump knew exactly what he was doing," Pentón said to María Elvira, to which Salazar responded, clarifying his stance.
"I'm not saying I didn't know; he gave the order. But there are many small regulations that I have to consider that were not consulted," he insisted.
The congresswoman also defended her work in support of migrants, stating that she has been one of the most active voices within Congress.
“I sent seven hundred letters during 2025, and the one who talked the most about the I-220A was me,” she stated.
He also acknowledged the seriousness of the situation faced by thousands of people without clear status or work permits.
"I am the first to know it. I represent district 27. Do you think those people don't call my office? Of course, I know that. My heart aches for the people," she expressed.
In that regard, he reiterated his commitment to those affected: "I am in a position where I am an elected official for those people who are suffering that harm."
Salazar also took the opportunity to criticize both the current and the previous administration.
Regarding former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, he questioned the use of the I-220A: “What does that piece of paper mean? It doesn’t mean anything.”
And he sent a direct message to the Democrats: "Don't come to me saying that they are the good ones in the movie."
Despite the criticism and uncertainty, the congresswoman expressed optimism about what is to come.
"Yes, they will listen to me, you will see," he stated, referring to his efforts within Congress and with the administration.
Meanwhile, thousands of migrants continue to await concrete decisions that would support the possible course change announced from Washington.
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