Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Florida’s 27th district, shared updates on January 22, 2026, regarding the release of Rafael Tudares and legislative progress in Caribbean security cooperation.
In a post published at 14:41 UTC, Salazar addressed the recent release of Rafael Tudares after more than a year in prison. She wrote: “Después de 380 días de encarcelamiento injusto, la liberación de Rafael Tudares es un paso en la dirección correcta, pero no borra la injusticia ni el abuso que sufrió.
Nadie debería ir a prisión por defender la libertad o decir la verdad.
Esto no puede quedarse aquí. Delcy” (January 22, 2026).
Later that day at 18:14 UTC, Salazar announced legislative progress with the House Foreign Affairs Committee advancing her bipartisan bill aimed at regional security. She stated: “Big step forward. The House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced my bipartisan legislation, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act.
This bill strengthens U.S.–Caribbean security cooperation and now heads to the House floor.” (January 22, 2026). A subsequent tweet included only a link: “https://t.co/XXxUAa7utc” (January 22, 2026).
Rafael Tudares is among several individuals who have drawn international attention as political prisoners in Latin America. Advocacy groups and lawmakers have frequently highlighted such cases to call for greater respect for human rights in the region.
The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act is designed to enhance collaboration between the United States and Caribbean nations on issues such as counter-narcotics operations and law enforcement training. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by U.S. legislators to address transnational crime and improve regional stability through partnership with neighboring countries.