Conservative Latino voters are abandoning Trump’s agenda thanks to ICE | Opinion

Latino voters rethink Trump

“Latino voters in California and beyond have become a force in elections | Opinion,” (modbee.com, July 11)

Conservative Latinos are abandoning President Donald Trump’s conservative agenda and reshaping arguments over immigration, economy and education. This is spreading throughout Texas and Florida, where a less-aggressive, more pragmatic approach is recommended.

Across party lines and economic strata, conservative Latinos are increasingly running for office and participating in state, county and city debates over social issues, which are impacting platforms.

The perception of lawlessness among U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Republicans have flipped many neutral and conservative voters against Trump. Televised scenes of detention camps in the swamps of Florida and Texas and the forced deportation of individuals to El Salvador have had lethal impact upon the hearts and minds of formerly conservative Latino voters.

Jorge A. Martinez

Newman

Who is ICE protecting?

“Trump scores win over California ICE mask ban,” (modbee.com, Feb. 20)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement claims its officers need masks for their protection, but aren’t they supposed to be protecting us?

John Heinsius

Modesto

Protecting Modesto youth

“Modesto leaders must enact a stronger, comprehensive tobacco ordinance | Opinion,” (modbee.com, July 27, 2025)

While global challenges can feel overwhelming, Modesto has a real chance to protect our community — especially our youth. The fact that 33 of 58 smoke shops operate without permits shows that passing an ordinance is only the first step. We commend the city council’s efforts, but we must close policy gaps.

To protect children from harmful, illegal flavored vapes, Modesto needs a universal tobacco retail license that holds all retailers to high standards and funds consistent enforcement. Delaying action until mid-2026 or later threatens our community’s health.

We urge residents to get involved: Attend public comment sessions and voice concerns about retailers near youth-sensitive areas to help Modesto lead the county in creating safe and healthy neighborhoods for future generations.

Cynthia Prieto-Diaz

Tobacco Prevention Stanislaus Coalition

Newsom’s candor on Israel

“Newsom dares Democrats to catch up by calling Israel a ‘sort of apartheid’ | Opinion,” (modbee.com, March 6)

In 2021, two former Israeli ambassadors to South Africa, Ilan Baruch and Alon Liel, co-authored an op-ed concluding that Israel had indeed become an apartheid regime.

When even former Israeli diplomats acknowledge the crime of apartheid, it should be seen as neither extreme nor controversial for an American governor to say so. Governor Newsom’s candor deserves praise, not condemnation, and his words should prompt reflection on whether our nation’s silence serves justice or merely shields oppression.

Terry Hansen

Grafton, Wis.