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Florida Co‑founder of Latinas for Trump Slams Latest Immigration Crackdown Tactics

Matt OHern
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Florida Co‑founder of Latinas for Trump Slams Latest Immigration Crackdown Tactics

Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia, who helped launch the conservative group Latinas for Trump in 2016 and previously served as Deputy Press Secretary in Trump’s first-term Department of Homeland Security, criticized the current immigration enforcement policies in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Garcia expressed her loyalty to former President Trump, stating that she has “always supported Trump, through thick and thin.” However, she deemed the recent federal immigration operations—especially those targeting individuals at immigration courts—as “unacceptable and inhumane.” She raised concerns that these measures undermine long-standing American values of justice and fair treatment.

Garcia questioned the motives behind these aggressive tactics, warning that they seem to be part of a politically driven mass deportation strategy orchestrated by hardliners like former senior advisor Stephen Miller. She emphasized that the targeted individuals include those complying with legal proceedings and others who have credible fear claims, many of whom are seeking asylum, and yet they face sudden arrests.

Garcia was not alone in her concerns. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), who represents the same congressional district, echoed Garcia’s sentiments. Salazar highlighted the erosion of due process, stressing the legal necessity of allowing asylum seekers to complete their proceedings before any deportation actions are taken.

Drawing on her personal history as the daughter of Cuban refugees, Garcia expressed profound disappointment in what she perceives as Trump’s abandonment of Latino support in favor of harsh enforcement measures. She lamented remarks from the earlier Trump campaign that she found dismissive of Latino grassroots supporters, calling them “quite disappointing.”

Why This Matters

  • Big Shift in Tone: Garcia’s criticism is notable given her history as a prominent Latino supporter of Trump.
  • Controversy Over Tactics: Critics argue that these aggressive tactics—such as raids at immigration hearings and arrests of asylum seekers—violate principles of due process.
  • Potential Political Fallout: Hardline immigration enforcement could alienate segments of the Latino community that were once central to Trump’s support.

Bottom Line:
Ileana Garcia’s public condemnation indicates a significant rift within Trump’s base. Her criticism of the current immigration raids underscores a growing discontent with the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.

Miami-Dade County Flips Red as Registered Republicans Surpass Democrats

Matt OHern
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Miami-Dade County Flips Red as Registered Republicans Surpass Democrats

Miami-Dade County Sees Major Political Shift as Republicans Overtake Democrats in Voter Registration

MIAMI — Miami-Dade County, long considered a Democratic stronghold in Florida, has undergone a dramatic political realignment. Newly released voter registration data show Republicans now outnumber Democrats in the county—a milestone for the Florida GOP in a region that was once a key Democratic base.

As of the latest count, Republicans make up 34% of registered voters in Miami-Dade, totaling 464,370. Democrats follow with 32.27% (440,790), while independents and third-party voters account for 31.41% (429,099). The data marks a reversal of decades-long trends, highlighting the county’s shift toward the Republican Party.

“This is a total repudiation of the Democrats’ failed agenda. Miami-Dade is no longer their safe haven—it’s the beating heart of the Republican revolution,” said Evan Power, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

Miami-Dade’s political transformation has accelerated over recent election cycles. In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton carried the county by a 30-point margin. Since then, Republicans have steadily gained ground. Party leaders attribute the shift to messaging focused on public safety, education, economic opportunity, and opposition to progressive policies. The GOP has also seen increased support among Hispanic voters, particularly within Cuban and Venezuelan communities.

Republicans have won several key races in Miami-Dade in recent years. Governor Ron DeSantis carried the county during his 2022 re-election campaign, and former President Donald Trump won it in 2024. Republicans now hold multiple county-level offices, including Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, Clerk of Court, and Tax Collector.

GOP leaders credited the shift to a coordinated effort from local and state party officials. Among those recognized were Miami-Dade GOP Chairman Kevin Cooper, State Committeeman Juan Porras, State Committeewoman Liliana Ros, former Chairmen Alex Rizo and Rene Garcia, and former State Committeeman Kevin Cabrera. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio was also acknowledged for laying early groundwork in the area.

“This is a victory for every Republican who refused to let Miami-Dade stay blue,” Power said. “The county is now a Republican stronghold, and we’re building on this momentum to shape Florida’s future.”

Statewide, the political landscape has also shifted. In 2018, Democrats held a 300,000-voter registration advantage in Florida. By 2024, that had flipped to a 1.29 million-voter lead for Republicans, underscoring broader trends favoring the GOP across the state.

Kentucky Congressman Massie Breaks with GOP, Calls Trump-Backed Fiscal Bill a ‘Debt Bomb’

Matt OHern
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Kentucky Congressman Massie Breaks with GOP, Calls Trump-Backed Fiscal Bill a ‘Debt Bomb’

WASHINGTON — Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) broke with party lines to criticize a fiscal package backed by President Donald Trump, warning it would significantly increase the national debt and undermine economic stability.

During an overnight House debate, Massie called the bill—often referred to by Republicans as the “Big, Beautiful Bill”—fiscally irresponsible. He compared it to a Titanic heading for a financial iceberg, arguing that simultaneous tax cuts and increased spending are unsustainable.

“I wish I could tell the American people that we can cut taxes and increase spending without consequences, but I can’t,” Massie said.

He warned that the bill would raise the federal deficit in the short term and questioned future accountability for budget goals. Massie described the legislation as a “debt bomb ticking,” highlighting concerns from Moody’s Investors Service about the U.S. credit outlook. He estimated that rising interest rates could lead to American families paying around $16,000 in interest annually.

Under the bill, the national debt could grow by up to $30 trillion over the next decade.

“Congress can use fantasy math, but bond investors do not,” he added.

Massie criticized the bill’s timing, stating, “If something is beautiful, you don’t do it after midnight.”

The House passed the bill by a single vote, with Massie voting against it alongside one other Republican and all Democrats. The measure is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

Florida Democrats Urge Reversal of $2.5 Billion Federal Public Health Funding Cut

Matt OHern
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Florida Democrats Urge Reversal of $2.5 Billion Federal Public Health Funding Cut

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of Florida House Democrats is urging President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Cheryl Kennedy to reverse the sudden termination of nearly $2.5 billion in federal public health grants to the state of Florida.

In a joint letter sent this week, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Darren Soto (FL-09), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) expressed deep concern over what they described as a “dangerous and disruptive” funding cut. The lawmakers warned that this rollback threatens critical health services not only in Florida but across the country.

“These grants support vital public health initiatives, including childhood immunizations, infectious disease control, mental health programs, and HIV prevention and treatment,” the representatives wrote. “Public health should never be a casualty of political ideology.”

The letter criticized the decision as politically motivated and detrimental to years of bipartisan efforts in health research and community care. The cuts are reportedly part of a broader nationwide reduction in public health funding initiated by the administration.

The lawmakers called on the administration to conduct an immediate review and restore the terminated grants, asserting that communities throughout Florida depend on these resources for life-saving treatment and preventive care.

“Our communities are counting on you to help them provide life-saving research, treatment, and care,” the letter concluded.

The full letter is available [here].

Poll Shows Most North Carolina Voters Say Tariffs Raise Prices, Doubt Job Benefits

Matt OHern
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Poll Shows Most North Carolina Voters Say Tariffs Raise Prices, Doubt Job Benefits

RALEIGH — A majority of likely voters in North Carolina believe tariffs will raise consumer prices, with many skeptical about their potential for long-term job creation, according to a Carolina Journal Poll.

The survey of 614 likely voters found that 75% think tariffs increase product prices, while 52.5% believe higher tariffs on imports could create more U.S. manufacturing jobs. Despite some support for tariffs, 40.6% do not see economic benefits from them, though 33.9% are willing to wait one to three years for potential results. Additionally, 49% agree that tariffs would likely harm businesses and raise prices, while 41% see them as necessary for protecting domestic manufacturing. Only 10% preferred tariffs as a method to boost manufacturing jobs, compared to 26.3% who favored a non-interventionist approach and 24.5% who supported cutting regulations.

Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation, noted that the results reflect North Carolinians’ awareness of tariffs’ trade-offs and emphasized the need for pro-growth reforms.

More than half of voters (53.5%) believe the economy is deteriorating, and 68.3% report witnessing labor shortages in businesses.

Political Favorability Ratings:

  • Gov. Josh Stein: 48.1% favorable
  • Former Gov. Roy Cooper: 47.5% favorable
  • Sen. Thom Tillis: 26.4% favorable
  • Former President Donald Trump: 45.5% favorable

Social Issues:

  • Sunday Hunting: 43.7% support lifting restrictions.
  • Definition of “Woman”: 63.6% support defining a woman as assigned female at birth.
  • Raw Milk Sales: 58.5% support allowing dairy farmers to sell raw milk directly to consumers.

Housing Solutions:

  • 34.3% support increased funding for affordable housing.
  • 20.6% believe decisions should remain local.

Other Issues:

  • 62.9% favor limiting flag displays in state buildings.
  • 84.7% oppose minimum grade policies in education.
  • 28.9% support legalized sports betting.

The Carolina Journal Poll captures public opinion on key economic, political, and cultural issues as the state approaches an election cycle.

Dispute Erupts Following North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards’ Speech

Matt OHern
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Dispute Erupts Following North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards’ Speech

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) and a local Rotary official are offering conflicting accounts of a confrontation that occurred Saturday night during a Rotary District 7670 conference in downtown Asheville.

According to Edwards, he was the target of an intoxicated individual’s belligerence following his scheduled speech at the event. However, a Rotarian who helped organize the conference, Guy Gooder, says Edwards appeared to be the aggressor in an altercation that followed remarks some attendees found controversial.

Gooder, a graphic designer from Franklin and a sponsor of the event, said he did not directly witness the alleged physical contact but heard Edwards strike a seated attendee with a clipboard as he exited the conference room. Gooder stated that Edwards’ body blocked his view at the time of the incident. He added that the two men then left the room while continuing their exchange.

As of Monday, Edwards’ office had not returned a phone call seeking comment. Edwards did release a statement Sunday, following inquiries from McClatchy and confirmation from the Asheville Police Department that officers responded to a disturbance at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, the site of the conference.

In his statement, Edwards said, “I refused to engage with an intoxicated man that was cursing. He became more belligerent and later called the police. His behavior was embarrassing to the people at the event and was duly noted by the police.”

The Asheville Police Department confirmed that no arrests were made and no injuries were reported. A full police report has not yet been released. McClatchy has requested both the 911 call and the finalized report.

Gooder, who serves on the Franklin Tourism Development Authority board and is registered as an unaffiliated voter, disputes Edwards’ characterization of the other man involved. He said the individual was not belligerent and that such behavior would be quickly addressed in a Rotary setting, where members are expected to set aside political differences.

The disagreement stemmed in part from Edwards’ speech, which Gooder said diverged from the nonpartisan tone expected at Rotary events. While the congressman had been invited to speak about recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene—similar to remarks the night before by Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards—Gooder said Edwards used much of his address to defend former President Donald Trump’s policies, including federal agency budget cuts and tariffs.

Gooder said Edwards’ comments were critical of agencies like the State Department and the World Health Organization, both of which Rotary partners with on global health initiatives such as polio eradication. He described the speech as insulting to the intelligence and mission of many in the room.

According to Gooder, the confrontation occurred as Edwards walked down the center aisle after his speech. A seated attendee allegedly criticized Edwards’ remarks, prompting the congressman to stop and respond. That exchange escalated, with Gooder stating that Edwards then struck the man with a clipboard.

The man allegedly involved in the altercation declined to comment when contacted by McClatchy, citing an ongoing conversation with a police detective and efforts to reach a resolution.

Following the incident, police vehicles were visible outside the venue, and organizers addressed the situation onstage, offering apologies to attendees. Gooder, while critical of the decision to invite Edwards, said he appreciated the acknowledgment.

As of late Monday, no further information had been provided by the Asheville Police Department or Edwards’ staff. The Rotary District has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

Josh Hawley Goes Against Republican Colleagues, Urges Senate to Not Cut Medicaid

Matt OHern
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Josh Hawley Goes Against Republican Colleagues, Urges Senate to Not Cut Medicaid

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) criticized the Republican Party’s proposal to cut Medicaid spending by $880 billion over the next decade in a New York Times op-ed. Hawley called the cuts “morally wrong and politically suicidal,” warning they would harm lower-income Americans and contradict the party’s promises.

The legislation, introduced by House Republicans, seeks to impose work requirements and restrictions on Medicaid beneficiaries. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that around 8.6 million people could lose their health coverage due to these changes. Hawley noted that Medicaid serves over 70 million Americans, including more than a million in Missouri, and that the cuts could lead to hospital closures and increased premiums.

Hawley’s position reflects a rift within the Republican Party, as some members are concerned about the impact of these cuts on constituents. Despite the backlash, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is proceeding with the legislation, targeting a completion date by Memorial Day.

This situation highlights the difficulty Republicans face in balancing financial goals with the needs of their voters, particularly in states with expanded Medicaid. The proposed cuts continue to generate controversy within the party and among the public.

Missouri May Make Gold and Silver Legal Tender

Matt OHern
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Missouri May Make Gold and Silver Legal Tender

Missouri may soon allow gold and silver to be used as legal tender, thanks to new legislation passed by state lawmakers.

Key Features of the Legislation:

  1. Legal Tender Status: Gold and silver coins and bullion will be accepted for payments on debts and taxes within the state.
  2. No Capital Gains Tax: The bill removes state capital gains taxes on the sale of precious metals to promote their use in commerce.
  3. Federal Protection: State agencies cannot collaborate with federal authorities to confiscate gold or silver from Missouri residents.
  4. Electronic Transactions: The legislation permits electronic systems to handle transactions involving precious metals.

If signed by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri will join five other states in recognizing gold and silver as legal tender. This shift may provide a hedge against inflation and decrease reliance on the Federal Reserve. However, critics question the practicality of using these metals in daily transactions due to their potential value volatility.

Additionally, the Missouri Department of Revenue will set rules for accepting gold and silver payments, streamlining this transition. As of now, the governor’s decision is awaited, marking an important moment in the ongoing debate over monetary policy and alternative currencies in the U.S.

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