Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar has publicly broken with President Donald Trump over his immigration enforcement agenda, warning that some of his policies have gone “too far” as she faces a competitive reelection race in Florida ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
In a 30-second campaign advertisement released Thursday, Salazar said Hispanics who helped Trump return to the White House in 2024 “feel betrayed today.” The ad, recorded in English and Spanish in front of the White House, marks her first general election spot airing across South Florida media.
Salazar Warns Trump On Immigration Enforcement
This is a stunning ad from Maria Elvira Salazar, a south Florida House Republican.
“Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far. In July, 50% of the 50,000 people that were detained had no criminal record. Be careful what your advisers are… pic.twitter.com/9AGWPWLuiM
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) September 17, 2026
“Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” Salazar said in the advertisement.
She urged Trump to “be careful what your immigration advisers are telling you about immigration policies,” without directly blaming the president. Salazar also said she was not talking about giving migrants amnesty, but about giving them “a dignified life in this promised land.”
The message comes after months of fallout from Trump’s immigration crackdown, which initially featured large-scale street-level enforcement operations. The administration later scaled back some highly visible operations following public backlash, although deportations have remained high.
Salazar represents Florida’s heavily Latino 27th Congressional District, which includes Miami’s historic Little Havana. She faces Democrat Eliott Rodriguez, a former television news anchor. Nonpartisan analysts rate the race as “likely Republican,” though Democrats view the seat as one of their better pickup opportunities.
Trump Poll Numbers Raise Concerns Among GOP
A September Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 39% of Americans approved of Trump’s handling of immigration, down from 50% shortly after he returned to office in January 2025.
Trump’s overall approval rating stood at 35% in a September 11-14 Reuters/Ipsos poll, near the lowest level of his presidency.
The president has asked voters to treat the midterms as a referendum on his presidency, a strategy that has sparked unease among some Republicans.
Salazar’s advertisement reflects broader frustration among Latino voters, particularly those who backed Trump in 2024, over his administration’s immigration policies.
MAGA, Democrats Hit Back At Salazar
Salazar’s criticism has drawn backlash from prominent MAGA commentators, with some calling for Trump to withdraw his endorsement of the congresswoman.
Right-wing influencer Gunther Eagleman posted on X, “Time to replace her with a REAL conservative.”
The account End Wokeness also criticized Salazar over her remarks about migrants and the United States as a “Promised Land.”
Nick Sortor, another right-wing influencer, called the advertisement “TOTAL BS” and described Salazar as a “traitor,” urging Trump to revoke his endorsement.
Trump had given Salazar his “complete and total endorsement” in February, crediting her with helping keep the border secure and stopping migrant crime.
Meanwhile, Democrats slammed Salazar’s ad and posted a video of her interview in which she called for funding for ICE,
“Here is a video of @MaElviraSalazar urging Congress to give an additional $70,000,000,000 to Trump’s ICE. Don’t fall for her lies. María Elvira Salazar has stood with ICE every step of the way,” Democrats tweeted.
Here is a video of @MaElviraSalazar urging Congress to give an additional $70,000,000,000 to Trump’s ICE.
Don't fall for her lies. María Elvira Salazar has stood with ICE every step of the way. https://t.co/SmNeqUma5h pic.twitter.com/nEpg9NqiJO
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 17, 2026
The president and the White House have yet to publicly address the new advertisement.
Salazar’s Reelection Race
Salazar, who has served in Congress since January 2021, is the daughter of Cuban exiles and a former Telemundo host.
A poll released this week by Miami-based Bendixen & Amandi International found Trump 10 points underwater in the district. The same survey found Salazar tied with Democratic challenger Eliott Rodriguez in the reelection race.
The pollster described the contest as a “pure toss-up,” saying an incumbent who previously carried the district by more than 20 points was now in serious trouble.
Other Republicans facing competitive reelection races have also taken steps to distance themselves from Trump. Earlier this week, Iowa Representatives Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks joined Democrats in voting to limit Trump’s war powers in Iran.