Key facts
- Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar spoke with Donald Trump about his immigration policies.
- Salazar urged Trump to distinguish between criminals and undocumented workers.
- Salazar released a campaign ad criticizing Trump's deportation agenda.
- Salazar warned Trump about his immigration policy advisers.
- Salazar represents a Miami-based district.
Representative Maria Elvira Salazar stated she spoke with Donald Trump about his immigration policies, urging him to differentiate between undocumented immigrants and those who are criminals. Salazar, representing a Miami-based district, argued that Trump, with his background in construction and hospitality, understands the nuances of immigration and could resolve the long-standing issues.
Salazar's appeal follows her release of a campaign advertisement that pushed back against Trump's deportation agenda, asserting that some of his proposed actions have been excessive. In the video, she also cautioned Trump to "be careful what your advisers are telling you about immigration policy," suggesting that Hispanic voters who supported him may feel betrayed.
When questioned about specific advisers, Salazar declined to name individuals, emphasizing that Trump, as the elected official in the White House, ultimately decides whose counsel to heed. Salazar is currently seeking reelection against Democrat Eliott Rodriguez, with the race rated as "likely Republican" by the Cook Political Report.