In a recent city council meeting in Hialeah, Florida, a city predominantly Hispanic, only three residents opposed a partnership with the federal government to enforce immigration laws. The police departments in Hialeah and Coral Gables have agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with little resistance. President Trump’s increased immigration enforcement could impact South Florida, home to large Cuban, Venezuelan, and Latin American communities. Despite concerns, there has been less opposition to Trump’s measures due to a shift in Latino voter views and some seeing border restrictions as necessary. A Miami resident, Frank Ayllon, expressed understanding for Trump’s actions, highlighting the need for border security. Ayllon also praised Trump’s early actions in his second term. The political landscape in South Florida has evolved, with differing reactions to immigration policies. While Vice President Harris won Hispanic voters in 2024, it was slightly lower than Biden’s support in 2020. The 2024 election saw many Latino voters in Florida favor reducing asylum seekers, aligning with the state’s overall sentiment. Trump’s popularity in South Florida was initially driven by his anti-socialist stance and economic promises. Trump’s appeal to some Hispanics on border security was evident in his statements at a Miami rally in 2022.
In the quote, Trump praised the expertise of his advisors on border issues, particularly with Hispanics. Barbara Canales, a 49-year-old nursing assistant in Hialeah, shared her family’s immigration journey from Honduras to the United States. She emphasized the importance of legal immigration and expressed support for removing illegal immigrants. Canales noted a distinction between those entering with visas and those without. She highlighted that various administrations, including Democratic ones, have enforced immigration laws rigorously.
Miami’s Cuban exile community has mixed views, with many supporting Trump due to his stance on immigration and other policies. The community has a history of legal immigration through refugee programs, although recent policy changes have made it more challenging. Some newer Cuban immigrants like Luis Boulart, who became citizens and supported Trump in the 2024 election, feel the Republican party can address immigration and other issues effectively.
However, not all Cuban exiles share the same views. Julian Padron, who arrived in the U.S. years ago after being jailed in Cuba, opposes Trump and criticizes his actions as undemocratic. While some in Miami’s Little Havana area support Trump, Padron voices his dissent and stands by his beliefs.
The park employee refrains from expressing his views unless prompted. Initially, he informed an Associated Press reporter that political discussions were prohibited at the park to prevent disputes. However, when questioned about the specific rule prohibiting this, he promised to investigate and then permitted the interviews to proceed. “They are planning to detain individuals,” Padron remarked as he surveyed the park. “Don’t they realize that people are still escaping communism?”
