Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia — a founding member of “Latinas for Trump” and a longtime supporter of Donald Trump — is breaking ranks with the former president over his latest immigration crackdown.
In a strongly worded public statement on Saturday, Garcia criticized the renewed push targeting immigrants, including those pursuing legal paths to U.S. residency.
“This is not what we voted for. I have always supported President Trump through thick and thin. However, this is unacceptable and inhumane,” she said.
Representing Miami-Dade County — a region with deep Latino roots and once a reliable base for Trump — Garcia made it clear that while she still supports the deportation of criminals, targeting immigrants following the legal process goes too far.
“This undermines the sense of fairness and justice that the American people value,” she wrote in a public letter.
A Growing Rift in GOP Latino Support
Garcia isn’t the only prominent Latina Republican voicing concern. Representative María Elvira Salazar, another Miami-area lawmaker, also criticized the administration’s recent immigration actions. On Friday, she called out the arrests and deportations of immigrants with active asylum claims or pending legal residency applications.
“Anyone with a pending asylum case or status-adjustment petition deserves due process,” Salazar said.
Her comments drew a backlash on social media from Trump loyalists, some of whom threatened to unseat her in future primaries. Garcia, however, stood by Salazar, reiterating her own commitment to supporting immigrants pursuing legal paths to a better life.
Still Holding Out Hope
Despite her strong rebuke, Garcia hasn’t given up on Trump entirely. In a follow-up message Sunday, she expressed hope that he might reconsider.
“I have faith that President Trump will do what’s just for those seeking freedom and upward mobility,” she wrote.
Her measured stance — criticizing Trump’s policies while leaving the door open for change — reflects a deepening tension within the Republican Party’s Latino base as immigration once again becomes a key political flashpoint.
A Personal and Political Shift
Garcia’s statement is especially notable given her history. As a co-founder of “Latinas for Trump” in 2016 and one of Trump’s most visible Latina supporters, her voice carries weight. Her election to the Florida Senate in 2020 further cemented her status as a key figure within the GOP’s outreach to Hispanic voters.
Her public criticism could signal the beginning of a broader shift, as other prominent Latino Republicans weigh whether to follow suit. With the 2026 midterms approaching, growing discontent within this voter bloc may prove politically consequential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Senator Ileana Garcia criticizing Trump’s immigration policy?
She says the administration is targeting immigrants with legal paths to citizenship, calling it unfair and inhumane.
What area does Garcia represent?
She represents Miami-Dade County, a heavily Latino district in Florida.
Has she always supported Trump?
Yes. Garcia co-founded “Latinas for Trump” in 2016 and supported him through previous election cycles.
Who else has spoken out?
Rep. María Elvira Salazar also criticized the administration’s immigration actions and called for due process for legal applicants.
Will this change Trump’s approach?
It’s unclear. But rising dissent from key GOP figures in Latino communities could impact strategy ahead of future elections.
