Fact Check: Florida senator calls ICE actions 'not what we voted for'.

Published June 28, 2025

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# Fact Check: "Florida senator calls ICE actions 'not what we voted for'" ## What We Know Recently, Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia, a Republican...

Fact Check: "Florida senator calls ICE actions 'not what we voted for'"

What We Know

Recently, Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia, a Republican from Miami, publicly criticized the immigration enforcement actions taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that these actions are “not what we voted for” and labeling the mass-deportation campaign as “inhumane” (Miami Herald). This statement reflects a growing concern among some Republican officials regarding the implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies, particularly as they impact communities in Florida, which has a significant population of immigrants from Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti.

Garcia's comments were made in the context of increasing reports of ICE arrests, including incidents at immigration courts and foster homes in Florida (Miami Herald). She emphasized the need for immigration policies that genuinely address the needs of those seeking freedom and opportunity rather than arbitrary enforcement actions (The Hill).

Analysis

Ileana Garcia's statement has been corroborated by multiple sources, confirming that she indeed expressed her discontent with the current immigration enforcement practices. Her remarks are significant as they come from a member of the Republican Party, which has largely supported stringent immigration policies under Trump. The fact that she is a co-founder of Latinas for Trump adds weight to her criticism, as it indicates a shift in her stance from a previous alignment with the administration's hardline policies (The Guardian).

The reliability of the sources reporting on Garcia’s comments is strong. The Miami Herald, The Hill, and other reputable news outlets have covered her statements extensively and provided context regarding the political climate in Florida. However, it is important to note that while Garcia's comments may resonate with some constituents, they also represent a minority viewpoint within her party, as many Republicans continue to support strict immigration enforcement (Yahoo News).

Critics within the Republican Party, such as State Senator Joe Gruters, have defended ICE's actions, suggesting that voters expected such measures when they supported Trump. This internal party conflict highlights the potential political risks Garcia may face for her dissenting opinion (Miami Herald).

Conclusion

The claim that Florida Senator Ileana Garcia called ICE actions “not what we voted for” is True. Her statements have been documented and reported by multiple credible sources, reflecting a significant divergence from the dominant Republican narrative on immigration enforcement. Garcia's position illustrates the complexities and divisions within the party regarding immigration policy, particularly as it affects immigrant communities in Florida.

Sources

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