In a bid to shore up support in her competitive Texas district, Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) has released a campaign advertisement that showcases her work freeing a local man from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The spot, which began airing last week, features an interview with a Weslaco woman identified only as Stephanie, whose husband—a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient—was detained by federal agents.
Stephanie recounts how she reached out to De La Cruz after her husband's arrest, and credits the congresswoman with securing his release. "My husband and I did things the right way, but we were stuck in a broken immigration system," Stephanie says in the ad. "We need to secure our borders to keep our families safe, but this immigration system is broken. So, we reached out to Monica de la Cruz." She adds, "She helped with my husband's immigration case. I've voted Democrat before, but Monica puts people over politics."
The advertisement is a strategic move for De La Cruz, who represents Texas' 15th Congressional District—a predominantly Hispanic area that has become a battleground in the upcoming midterms. She faces a formidable challenge from Democrat Bobby Pulido, a musician and political newcomer who has gained traction among voters. An August poll from Texas Southern University's Barbara Jordan Public Policy and Research and Survey Center showed De La Cruz trailing Pulido by five points, and the Cook Political Report has flagged the race as competitive despite the district's Republican lean.
De La Cruz's move to highlight her immigration casework is notable given her alignment with President Trump on border security. In the ad, she praises the administration's efforts, stating, "Working with President Trump, we ended the border crisis, and today that border is safer than any point in history." Yet her willingness to intervene in individual cases reflects a pragmatic approach that could appeal to voters who support stricter enforcement but also want compassion for those already in the system.
This is not the first time De La Cruz has stepped in to help an immigrant in detention. In March, she escorted Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, a teenager who had been held for nearly two weeks, out of a facility to his family. At the time, she emphasized community solidarity and called on Congress to adopt "common sense" enforcement policies, as reported by the Texas Tribune.
De La Cruz is not alone among Latina Republicans in breaking with the president on immigration tactics. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), who represents a similarly diverse district, released her own campaign video this week accusing Trump of going "too far" with his enforcement operations. "The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today," Salazar said, signaling a growing intra-party tension over immigration policy.
As the November election approaches, De La Cruz has intensified her campaign efforts, including speaking at Trump's Republican National Committee midterm convention. Her new ad is part of a broader strategy to frame herself as a problem-solver who can work across party lines, even as she faces headwinds from a energized Democratic base. The race in the 15th District is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in the country, with both parties pouring resources into the contest.
Political analysts note that De La Cruz's emphasis on individual casework could resonate with voters who are frustrated with the federal immigration system, even as they support border security measures. By highlighting her role in reuniting families, she is attempting to carve out a moderate image that might appeal to swing voters. However, Pulido's campaign has sought to tie De La Cruz to the more controversial aspects of Trump's immigration agenda, arguing that her votes in Congress have contributed to the very problems she now highlights.
The outcome of this race could have broader implications for the Republican Party's strategy in Hispanic-majority districts, as well as for the national debate over immigration reform. With control of the House hanging in the balance, both parties are watching Texas' 15th District closely. For now, De La Cruz is betting that her record of helping constituents will outweigh the partisan divisions that dominate Washington.
