U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, says the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda went too far and likely cost his party votes. He has not spoken with anyone in the administration since Election Day, but he hopes the White House is listening.
“The overreach on enforcement has been very detrimental,” he said. He pointed to effects on parts of the economy and on the November elections.
Díaz-Balart’s warning stands apart from many Florida Republicans. Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters that heavy enforcement was not a driving factor in South Florida, though he acknowledged some residents were concerned. In a “60 Minutes” interview, President Donald Trump appeared to concede that some sweeps had gone too far, citing a hotel worker removed from the country.
Voters nearly ended Díaz-Balart’s tenure. He typically wins re-election by double digits, including by about 42 points two years ago. This year he won by less than a percentage point over Democrat Nicole Locklin. He said he raised concerns with the administration for months, including in multiple meetings, without success.
He also praised parts of Trump’s approach, especially border security and removing violent offenders. He said Congress will need both parties and a willing president to pass lasting immigration legislation. Trump’s choice of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles, has drawn attention, and Díaz-Balart said he has a cordial relationship with Miller while disagreeing with him on some issues.
