Florida’s 27th District Representative Maria Elvira Salazar, who serves a majority Hispanic constituency in South Florida, said President Trump responded politely and attentively when she raised concerns that Hispanic voters feel abandoned by the administration’s immigration stance.

Conversation with the President

During an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, Salazar described a “very good conversation” with the President after releasing a campaign advertisement that warned some of his immigration enforcement actions have gone too far. She said Trump was “a gentleman, very courteous, very receptive” and reminded him that he has a historic opportunity to keep the “pot of gold” he brought to the GOP in 2024.

Policy focus and bipartisan outreach

Salazar emphasized her desire to preserve Republican power in Washington to counter what she called a “very big threat” of socialism. She highlighted a bipartisan immigration bill she has introduced that would grant a renewable legal status to undocumented immigrants who have no criminal record, noting that roughly half of those detained by ICE in July fell into that category.

She also pointed out that the average American can distinguish between a “narco” and a “nanny,” a “gangster” and a “gardener,” underscoring the need for sensible reform rather than blanket enforcement.

President’s response

President Trump later told reporters that he remains “very strong on the borders” and praised Salazar’s political success, saying, “Maria won only because of me. She got a little bit soft on the border, I understand that, but I just don’t happen to be there.” The exchange shows the President’s willingness to listen to a member of Congress from his own party while maintaining his firm border stance.

Republican reactions

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise noted that disagreements exist within the GOP about the best path to a secure border and how to address interior immigration challenges created by the previous administration. While Scalise did not share Salazar’s view that Hispanic voters feel betrayed, he affirmed that most Hispanics supported law and order in 2024.

Polling context

Recent polling indicates a portion of the Hispanic electorate is drifting away from the President as his overall approval rating declines, though the district still voted for Trump by nearly 15 points in 2024. Salazar’s outreach aims to stem that drift by addressing concerns directly with the President.

Looking ahead

Salazar said she will continue to advise the President and caution certain advisers she believes are not presenting the full picture on immigration. She stressed that her role is to warn, not attack, and to ensure that Republican policies reflect the values of South Florida’s families and faith‑centered communities.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.