Florida Republicans Criticize Immigration Enforcement Amidst Mass Deportation Promises

A Florida Republican state lawmaker, Ileana Garcia, who founded Latinas for Trump, has criticized the administration's immigration arrests across the state. This comes despite the president's campaign promises of a large-scale "mass deportation operation." Garcia expressed her disapproval in a statement, stating that the actions were "unacceptable and inhumane."

Garcia, whose parents were Cuban refugees, emphasized her belief in the importance of deporting criminal aliens. However, she argued that the current measures appear arbitrary, targeting individuals complying with immigration hearings, including those with credible fear of persecution claims. She believes these actions undermine the sense of fairness and justice valued by the American people.

These remarks follow widespread outrage and protests regarding arrests targeting immigrants at work sites and courthouses. The president's campaign, however, had repeatedly promised a "mass deportation operation." He had also warned of an "invasion" of undocumented immigrants.

The president's actions include rescinding immigration enforcement policies that limited arrests in sensitive locations and revoking humanitarian protections for approximately one million people with temporary legal status. This has left thousands vulnerable to immediate removal from the United States.

Another Florida Republican lawmaker, Elvira Salazar, also voiced concerns, stating that individuals navigating the immigration system deserve to go through the legal process. She expressed heartbreak over the uncertainty gripping her district, emphasizing that courthouse arrests and the termination of temporary protected status jeopardize due process.

The president has also issued an executive order that allows for fast-track deportation proceedings for immigrants who cannot prove continuous residence in the United States for more than two years. This "expedited removal" process is now being expanded across the country. The American Immigration Lawyers Association has criticized these actions as a betrayal of basic fairness and due process.