Florida Republican Trashes Trump
A Republican congressman from Florida is raising concerns that aspects of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy could create political challenges for the GOP as the midterm elections approach.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Republican who represents South Florida, said this week that while border security remains a top priority for conservatives, the way enforcement is being carried out could negatively affect voter support if not handled carefully.
Speaking with Newsmax, Gimenez said the political impact cannot be ignored.
“From a political standpoint, this is hurting our chances in the midterms,” Gimenez said. “We have to keep the majority. If we don’t, the country risks going back to the open-border policies of the Biden years.”
Gimenez currently chairs a House Homeland Security subcommittee overseeing transportation and maritime security. He said the moment calls for a serious reassessment of how immigration enforcement is being executed, particularly in areas where tensions have escalated.
Concerns Grow After Deadly Incidents in Minnesota
The congressman pointed to recent deadly encounters involving federal agents in Minnesota, saying the loss of life has raised legitimate questions that deserve careful review.
Gimenez said he supports President Trump’s decision to send longtime border enforcement official Tom Homan to the state, signaling that the administration is taking the situation seriously.
At the same time, Gimenez acknowledged he is uncomfortable with what has unfolded in Minneapolis in recent weeks and said he has communicated those concerns directly to the White House.
“There has to be a better way,” he said, adding that immigration enforcement should prioritize dangerous criminals rather than broad actions that affect families and long-time residents.
He also noted that large-scale deportation proposals face practical limitations.
“There’s no realistic way to deport 20 million people,” Gimenez said. “We need solutions that enforce the law, secure the border, and still reflect common sense.”
Federal Operations Draw Political Fire
Gimenez’s remarks follow weeks of intensified federal immigration operations in Minnesota under a Department of Homeland Security initiative known as “Operation Metro Surge.”
Since the operation began, two people have been killed in incidents involving federal agents. In the most recent case, the administration initially described the individual, Alex Pretti, as a domestic extremist before later backing away from that characterization.
President Trump has since said he supports a professional and honorable investigation into the shooting.
Democratic lawmakers have sharply criticized federal law enforcement actions in the state, with some calling for the removal or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Funding Fight Raises Shutdown Risk
The controversy comes as Senate Democrats threaten to block a major government funding bill unless money allocated to the Department of Homeland Security is removed. If Congress fails to act by Friday, the federal government could face a partial shutdown.
Republican leadership has rejected the idea of stripping DHS funding, arguing that border security remains essential to national safety.
Still, concerns are emerging within Republican ranks.
Following the second deadly shooting in Minneapolis, retiring North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis urged a full and unbiased investigation.
“For incidents like this, transparency and cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement are critical,” Tillis said. “Rushing to judgment before the facts are known harms public trust and does a disservice to President Trump’s legacy.”
Oversight Intensifies
Local and state law enforcement officials have said federal agencies have limited their access to information related to the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who was killed earlier this month during an ICE operation.
In response, Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul of Kentucky has requested testimony from the leaders of multiple federal agencies involved, signaling that congressional oversight of the Minnesota operations is likely to increase.
