URGENT UPDATE: During CNN’s Election Night coverage on October 31, 2023, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) emphasized the critical need for the Republican Party to moderate its immigration policies to attract Latino voters. Her comments come in the wake of significant electoral results that may shape the party’s future direction.
Malliotakis stated that Republicans must focus on deporting criminals rather than targeting long-term residents with no criminal records. “We need to move a little more in the middle,” she asserted, highlighting the adverse effects of aggressive immigration enforcement on families who have been contributing members of society for decades.
In a poignant statement, she remarked, “Where you’re seeing them go way too far, going after people who have no criminal history… that’s going to hurt and backfire.” This message comes at a pivotal moment, as Latino voters are increasingly influential in U.S. elections.
Host Anderson Cooper raised concerns about the previous hardline approach under the Trump administration, questioning whether such tactics have eroded support among Latino communities. Malliotakis responded, “The pendulum cannot go too far, or else you’re going to lose that Hispanic vote.” She pointed out the need for a balanced approach, focusing on actual criminals, such as gang members and drug traffickers, instead of long-standing residents.
Malliotakis also highlighted a significant statistic: 16,000 crimes in New York City linked to migrant shelters have reportedly declined due to current deportation efforts, which she attributes to the Trump administration’s policies. She emphasized that while border security has improved, Republicans must better communicate their achievements, including tax cuts for working families.
The representative expressed frustration over the Democratic Party’s energy policies, urging her colleagues to reassess their approach in light of voter sentiments. Earlier in the night, she suggested that the upcoming elections in New Jersey would be a more telling indicator of voter mood than those in Virginia.
As the political landscape shifts, Malliotakis’s call for moderation reflects a broader strategy that could reshape how the Republican Party engages with minority communities moving forward. The urgency of her message is clear: without a change in tactics, the GOP risks alienating a vital voter base.
What happens next? Watch for additional responses from GOP leaders as they consider Malliotakis’s recommendations in light of the latest electoral outcomes. The party faces the challenge of balancing security concerns with the need to foster inclusivity among diverse voter segments.
Stay tuned for more developments on this story as it unfolds.
