Florida Rep. Salazar Slams Trump on Deportations in Bold Election Ad

Florida Republican Maria Elvira Salazar attacks Trump's immigration policies in a fiery ad, citing ICE data and calling for dignity over crackdowns.

Editorial Desk

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Miami, United States — A Florida Republican congresswoman has launched a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement strategies in a provocative election ad that has sparked widespread discussion.

Representative Maria Elvira Salazar, who is seeking re-election in a district that heavily supported Trump in the 2024 presidential race, accused the former president of overreaching in his approach to border security. She cited data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), noting that half of the 50,000 individuals detained in July had no criminal records.

The ad, filmed outside the White House, highlighted concerns about how some immigrants, particularly Hispanics, feel abandoned by Trump after helping him win the 2024 election. Salazar urged a more humane approach, drawing parallels to historical figures who addressed major societal issues with compassion rather than harsh measures.

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While Trump secured a 15-point lead in her district during the 2024 election, recent polling suggests a shift, with estimates showing a 14-point drop in support among Hispanic voters. Meanwhile, the president faces criticism for his immigration policies, with a new poll showing a net approval rating of -18 percent.

Salazar’s stance has drawn reactions from both sides, with some Republicans expressing concern over Trump’s declining popularity and others questioning her alignment with ICE. Despite this, the president’s Border Czar, Tom Homan, has defended the administration’s efforts, claiming record numbers of arrests and emphasizing national security benefits.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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