Rep. María Elvira Salazar, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 27th congressional district, posted a series of messages on social media regarding recent developments in Latin America, focusing on strategic alliances and political repression.
On February 8, 2026, Salazar emphasized the importance of cooperation between the United States and Honduras, writing: “Estados Unidos y Honduras consolidan una alianza estratégica clave para el futuro de nuestro hemisferio: más seguridad, más oportunidades económicas y una defensa firme de la democracia en nuestra región.
Bajo el liderazgo del presidente Trump, seguiremos trabajando con nuestros”.
Later that day, she commented on the release of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa after his detention by Venezuelan authorities: “Great news: @JuanPGuanipa is free after more than eight months of unjust imprisonment under the Venezuelan regime.
They tried to silence one of the opposition’s bravest voices, persecuting him for daring to confront the dictatorship. They failed.
His freedom is an important” (February 8, 2026).
The following day, Salazar raised concerns about Guanipa’s whereabouts and ongoing repression in Venezuela. She stated: “¿Dónde está Juan Pablo Guanipa?
Este es el manual de la dictadura: secuestrar, intimidar y silenciar a quien se atreva a decir la verdad. Un acto cobarde que confirma que la represión en Venezuela no se ha detenido ni un solo instante.
Cada hora sin respuestas desenmascara aún” (February 9, 2026).
Juan Pablo Guanipa is a prominent member of Venezuela’s opposition who has faced repeated detentions and accusations from President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The United States has frequently condemned these actions as part of broader human rights concerns in Venezuela. Rep. Salazar has previously advocated for increased support to democratic movements in Latin America and called attention to partnerships aimed at promoting security and economic opportunities in the region.