María Elvira Salazar reveals she spoke with Donald Trump to advise him on how to maintain Hispanic voters' support for Republican Party

Florida Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar revealed that she had a direct phone conversation with President Donald Trump following the release of an ad in which she stated that some Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations had gone too far.

During a Sunday interview on the "Face the Nation" program on CBS News, the Cuban-American congresswoman described the call as a very good conversation, in which she found the president to be receptive and courteous. Salazar explained that her main objective was to advise the Republican leader to protect the political capital he has built with the Hispanic community ahead of the upcoming elections.

"He has this historic moment in which he can hold onto the political capital he brought to the Republican Party in 2024," the congresswoman said, recounting what she had told the president. Salazar argued that safeguarding that progress is essential to maintaining legislative majorities and curbing the agendas of the progressive left.

The value of the Hispanic electorate and the distinction between law enforcement and lawful compliance

As the representative of a district in South Florida with a Hispanic population of nearly 75%, Salazar emphasized that the community fully shares the values of freedom, work and public order promoted by conservative ideology.

However, she noted that it is necessary to distinguish between highly dangerous criminals and individuals integrated into the workforce with no criminal record.

"The average American understands the difference between a drug trafficker and a nanny, a gangster and a gardener," the lawmaker said. She also suggested that the administration's approach could be influenced by an incomplete perspective provided by some of its advisers: "I'm simply warning and advising you that some of your advisers aren't presenting the full picture."

Perspectives and cohesion on the conservative agenda

Salazar's statement sparked reactions within the party ranks. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise addressed the remarks on ABC's "This Week," acknowledging that there are nuances within the caucus regarding the implementation of border control, but emphasizing that the priority shared by most Hispanic families remains the restoration of the rule of law.

For his part, the Democratic candidate for the seat, Eliott Rodriguez, criticized Salazar's stance, arguing that the lawmaker's reaction is driven by the electoral calendar.

Despite tactical differences regarding border management, Salazar reaffirmed her commitment to the Republican platform and expressed confidence in Trump's ability, as a businessman, to establish a system that guarantees both the country's territorial security and economic prosperity.