The Republican congressman Mario Díaz-Balart openly acknowledged his differences with the Trump administration regarding immigration policy and admitted that his efforts to protect Cubans with form I-220A have not been successful.
He said it in an exclusive interview granted to Martí Noticias and published this Friday by journalist Mario J. Pentón.
The conversation, recorded in Doral, Florida, during the campaign for the November 3 elections, covered the situation of Cuban immigrants in legal proceedings, Washington's policy towards Cuba, and the transition process in Venezuela.
"Unacceptable" detentions and a "overreaction" that fails to reverse
Díaz-Balart clearly distinguished his support for the closure of the southern border —which he deemed necessary— from the way the administration carries out deportations.
"I believe there has been an overreaction in how that part of the law has been enforced," he stated, and described the arrest of individuals who are undergoing legal immigration processes as "an unnecessary and negative overreaction."
The legislator indicated that arresting those who proceed through legal channels contradicts the goal of encouraging compliance.
"I completely disagree with the president of the administration," he stated.
The I-220A is a supervised release order issued by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that does not equate to the parole required to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act. This situation has left many Cubans in a state of immigration limbo.
Díaz-Balart acknowledged that the efforts made alongside his colleagues María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez—through meetings with senior officials from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security—have not changed the administration's stance so far.
"We haven't achieved it so far," he admitted, consistent with previous statements in which he had already described it as an exaggeration regarding the raids.
The proposal: a temporary program for Cubans, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans
The congressman proposed creating a temporary program to review case by case for immigrants from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, starting with those who have the highest probability of legitimate asylum cases.
He argued that this approach is compatible with current legislation and the administration's objectives: to identify and expel those who pose a risk while establishing an orderly process for those with clean records.
Regarding who holds the key to change, he was straightforward: "The only person who can change this is the President of the United States."
He added that "the only ones who are working seriously, who have the possibility of achieving something, are myself, Congresswoman Salazar, and Congressman Jiménez."
As a precedent for his capacity to influence, he recalled that during Trump's first term, he achieved the temporary legalization of Venezuelans by working "quietly" with the administration, and he expressed his hope to replicate that outcome.
Cuba: "This regime will not survive."
On the island, Díaz-Balart expressed his conviction that the regime's time is numbered.
"I am convinced that this regime will not survive these next two years and a little more that is left of President Trump's administration," he declared.
According to Díaz-Balart, the administration is in contact with individuals close to Raúl Castro — specifically mentioning Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the former leader's grandson — but he was emphatic: "These are not negotiations."
According to the explanation, Havana is seeking to offer cosmetic changes while Washington demands a fundamental political and economic transformation.
He described two possible scenarios for transition: a popular mobilization joined by lower-ranking military personnel — he compared this model to the Carnation Revolution in Portugal — or a decision by those in power to facilitate a way out in response to growing pressure.
Venezuela and the Praise for María Corina Machado
Asked about the permanence of Delcy Rodríguez at the helm of the Venezuelan government, Díaz-Balart defended the administration's strategy and argued that a simultaneous exit of the entire Chavista structure could trigger confrontations among the numerous armed groups operating in the country. "Transitions are not easy," he stated.
He described three phases of the U.S. plan: stimulate the economy, transform the institutions inherited from the dictatorship, and hold free elections.
Regarding Rodríguez's cooperation with that process, it was clear: "Not because Delcy has changed," but because the pressure from Washington leaves her no other option.
When referring to María Corina Machado, the congressman did not hold back his praise: "María Corina Machado is the undeniable leader of the people of Venezuela. She has earned it."
He expressed his expectation to lead an elected government during Trump’s term, once the necessary institutional changes are completed.
In assessing his relationship with the administration, Díaz-Balart drew a clear line: "I disagree with the President of the United States on several issues, but on the matter of freedom in this hemisphere—Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua—we have not had a better ally than this president."
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