In South Florida, a group of Republican lawmakers of Cuban descent is carefully balancing their support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies while maintaining strong ties to their Cuban-American constituencies. As immigration remains a contentious issue in the U.S., Florida Republicans like U.S. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Carlos Gimenez, and Mario Diaz-Balart are navigating the complex terrain of Trump’s crackdown on immigration, particularly policies affecting Cubans, Venezuelans, and other immigrants who make up a substantial part of their base.

In a recent event, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, one of the three House Republicans from Florida with Cuban roots, addressed a gathering of Republican women in Miami without mentioning immigration — a topic that’s been a point of contention in Florida politics. The omission speaks to the delicate balancing act these lawmakers must perform as they navigate Trump’s harsh immigration policies.

Democratic challengers have set their sights on flipping Salazar’s district, and have made Trump’s controversial immigration agenda a key focus of their efforts. A digital billboard placed in Miami-Dade County criticized these Cuban-American lawmakers with the word “traitors,” accusing them of betraying their immigrant communities by supporting Trump’s policies, which include ending protections for Cubans, Venezuelans, and others living in the U.S. under temporary status.

U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar’s Stance on Immigration

Maria Elvira Salazar (63), known for her outspoken advocacy on behalf of Cuban and Venezuelan migrants, is arguably the most vocal among the trio. While she has supported Trump on some policies, Salazar has also pushed back against his efforts to end the immigration protections that are critical to many in her district.

She recently made headlines after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending protections for Venezuelans. Salazar credited Trump for “doing the right thing,” despite the judge’s ruling. She has also criticized the Biden administration for its handling of Cuban migration and stressed the importance of preserving the Cuban Adjustment Act, which provides a path to permanent residency for Cubans arriving in the U.S.

In a video posted on social media, Salazar stated in Spanish, “We are the only ones in Congress helping you.” She argued for compassion toward those who have been in the U.S. for years, such as workers in agriculture or hospitality. “People who have been here for 10, 15, 20 years—doing essential work—should be treated with dignity,” she said, reinforcing her stance that some immigration policies need to be reformed.

In response to criticism, Salazar defended her record on immigration in a recent Miami Herald opinion piece, positioning herself as a leader unafraid to challenge her party’s policies when it comes to immigration reform.

Mario Diaz-Balart’s Support for Trump

Mario Diaz-Balart (63), another Republican with Cuban heritage, has consistently defended Trump’s hardline immigration policies. In recent statements, Diaz-Balart stood in solidarity with Venezuelan migrants, many of whom face deportation due to Trump’s policies. Alongside Salazar and Rep. Carlos Gimenez, Diaz-Balart issued a joint statement condemning the removal of deportation protections for Venezuelans, calling it unsafe for many to return to their home country due to the ongoing crisis there.

At a recent meeting with Miami’s Republican women, Diaz-Balart continued to support Trump’s approach, placing blame on the Biden administration for allowing record numbers of migrants into the U.S. He also emphasized the need for a “process” to assess asylum seekers, stressing the importance of securing U.S. borders.

However, while Diaz-Balart advocates for stricter immigration measures, he also urges that those already in the U.S. who are not a threat to public safety should be allowed to stay.

Carlos Gimenez and Tough Immigration Stance

Carlos Gimenez (71), a former mayor of Miami-Dade County, is another Republican from Florida facing increasing scrutiny over his stance on immigration. Gimenez, who also shares Cuban roots, has supported Trump’s efforts to restrict immigration and even proposed cutting off remittances to Cuba as a means of weakening the Cuban regime. He believes this move would help the Cuban people in their fight for freedom while undermining the Cuban government’s revenue streams.

Gimenez’s position on immigration is equally firm. He has argued for a case-by-case approach to asylum claims and has been outspoken about the need to end policies he perceives as “reckless” under President Biden’s administration. His rhetoric aligns with Trump’s, though he has expressed support for temporary protections for those fleeing persecution, particularly from Venezuela.

The Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policies in Florida

In Miami-Dade County, home to one of the largest Cuban populations in the U.S., Trump’s immigration policies have deeply divided both voters and lawmakers. While Trump made significant inroads with Latino voters in Florida during the 2020 elections, especially in the Cuban-American community, many remain concerned about his impact on their families’ legal status and future in the U.S.

In fact, Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate since 1988 to win Miami-Dade County, signaling a shift in Latino political leanings toward the GOP. Republicans, including Salazar, Diaz-Balart, and Gimenez, have attempted to balance their support for the president’s immigration policies with their commitment to advocating for Cuban and Venezuelan migrants, some of whom face deportation under Trump’s directives.

However, as Democrats target key districts like Salazar’s for potential flips in the 2026 elections, the question remains whether these Republicans can maintain their support among Cuban-American voters while navigating the controversial and evolving landscape of immigration reform.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Elections

With immigration reform remaining a key issue, these three lawmakers are walking a fine line. Their ability to balance the needs of their immigrant constituents with their loyalty to Trump’s policies will likely play a significant role in the 2026 elections. As they face mounting criticism and political pressure, the future of Florida Republicans with Cuban roots remains uncertain, with their immigration positions likely to be central to their political survival.