Maryland Latino Republicans express concern over Trump immigration policies

Immigration enforcement measures under President Donald Trump are causing concern among some Latino Republican voters in Maryland. Local leaders suggest that increased enforcement actions may lead conservative Hispanic voters to either switch political allegiances or abstain from voting in upcoming midterm elections.

Data indicates a shift in political support; while Trump secured 48% of the Hispanic vote in 2024, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 26% of Hispanic registered voters plan to vote Republican in November, compared to 52% planning to support Democrats. In Maryland, ICE arrests more than doubled between January 20 and March 10, 2026, relative to the same period the previous year.

Juan Leo Salazar, president of the Latin Republican Organization of Maryland, stated that the administration is “overdoing it a little bit.” Additionally, Gabriela Lemus of Maryland Latinos Unidos noted that some voters who previously supported the president for economic reasons now feel the community is facing “punitive actions.” However, some Latino Republicans maintain their support, citing economic concerns as a primary driver for keeping Congress in Republican hands.