Key facts
- Many Cuban Americans who previously supported Donald Trump are now questioning their vote due to deportation policies.
- Immigration lawyer Ismael Labrador feels "blindsided" by the scale of deportations, which have affected individuals without criminal records.
- Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar stated that "Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today."
- A Florida International University poll found 76% of South Florida Cubans disapprove of deportations of those without criminal records.
- Heydi Sanchez was deported to Cuba, separated from her US-citizen husband and young daughter, after her ICE meeting was moved forward.
Many Cuban Americans in Florida, who previously supported Donald Trump, are now expressing regret over his administration's immigration and deportation policies. Immigration lawyer Ismael Labrador, who voted for Trump in 2020, feels "blindsided" by the scale of deportations, which have affected individuals without criminal records. He notes that Cubans, who traditionally enjoyed favored immigration status, now feel vulnerable.
Videos have surfaced showing arrests in previously considered off-limits locations, including hospitals and schoolyards. Labrador's own cousin was deported to Cuba. A White House spokeswoman stated that Trump was fulfilling his promise of mass deportations.
Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar has publicly distanced herself from Trump's deportation policy, stating that "Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today." Despite this discontent, a Florida International University poll indicated that 68% of South Florida Cubans still plan to vote Republican, though 76% disapprove of deportations of Cubans without criminal records.
Heydi Sanchez, another Cuban immigrant, was deported to Havana, separating her from her US-citizen husband and young daughter, after her ICE meeting was unexpectedly moved forward.