Florida state Sen. Ileana Garcia, a co-founder of Latinas for Trump, publicly criticized President Trump’s recent immigration enforcement tactics as ‘unacceptable and inhumane.’ This came in response to reports of federal agents conducting arrests in courthouses nationwide, including in Florida, where due process rights were seemingly disregarded. According to NBC News, some immigration judges dropped cases against migrants, potentially expediting deportations. The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration sparked protests in Los Angeles, with demonstrators engaging in violent acts.
Garcia, a former DHS deputy press secretary, expressed concern over what she perceived as arbitrary measures targeting immigrants complying with legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of fairness and justice. She pointed out a perceived desire to meet deportation quotas, likening it to policies attributed to White House official Stephen Miller. Garcia stood in solidarity with Rep. María Elvira Salazar, who also condemned Trump’s actions, advocating for due process for individuals with pending immigration cases.
Salazar planned to meet with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, alongside other Florida representatives, to address the unfolding situation in South Florida. The stance taken by Garcia and Salazar highlights a growing dissent within the Republican Party regarding the administration’s immigration policies. The criticism from within Trump’s own supporters underscores the complex and contentious nature of immigration enforcement under the current administration.
