Rep. María Elvira Salazar Critiques Trump's Immigration Policies in Campaign Ad

<p>Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Republican representing a district in Miami, has expressed disagreement with President Donald Trump's immigration policies as the midterm elections approach. In a campaign advertisement, Salazar stated, "Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far. Be careful what your advisors are telling you about immigration policy. The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today. You can be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism."</p><p>She added, "I’m not talking about giving them amnesty. I’m talking about giving them a dignified life in this promised land." A Fox News poll released on September 13, 2026, indicated that Trump's overall approval rating stands at 39%, with 61% of registered voters disapproving of his performance. On immigration, 56% of voters expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the issue, which is a better rating than his performance on the economy and foreign policy.</p><p>Salazar's divergence from Trump on immigration comes after a legislative history that includes supporting stricter enforcement measures while also advocating for legal status reforms. Throughout her congressional tenure, she has backed tougher border enforcement and legislation aimed at providing legal status to certain long-term noncitizens, including the bipartisan DIGNITY Act.</p><p>Additionally, she voted for the 2023 Secure the Border Act and the 2025 Laken Riley Act, which increased immigration enforcement and mandated the detention of specific undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. Trump's strict immigration policies have been a hallmark of his political career, particularly during the 2016 presidential election and his 2024 campaign, where he emphasized deportation promises. Despite this, Hispanic voters in areas like Miami and along the Southern border have increasingly leaned towards the Republican party.</p><p>Trump has endorsed Salazar's re-election campaign. The Salazar campaign did not provide a comment when contacted by Fox News Digital on September 15, 2026.</p>