Two of Miami’s most recognizable former broadcast journalists are part of a new public awareness campaign demanding local Republican congressional members denounce federal immigration raids, calling the tactics “authoritarian” and immoral.
Michael Putney, the longtime political reporter for WPLG-Channel 10, and Leticia Callava, a former anchor for Univision, are speaking out in the “Keep Them Honest” campaign. The effort, funded by businessman Mike Fernandez, specifically seeks action on immigration from GOP Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Carlos Gimenez, and Mario Diaz-Balart.
Appearing on the “Anti-Social” podcast, hosted by Tony Winton and Jan Dillow, Putney and Callava explained why they were speaking out after decades as objective journalists about the treatment of the immigrant community, which Putney said is “being mistreated, thrown to the ground, tear gassed, harassed.”
He stressed the vital role immigrants play in the region’s economy.
“These are the people who build our condos, pick our fruits and vegetables, and care for our elderly,” Putney said. “They are frightened, and they are our neighbors. They deserve to be treated with dignity.”
Callava, herself a Cuban immigrant, directed a message to South Florida’s Cuban-American community and its elected officials, saying many have a “very short memory.”
“Suddenly, Cubans have forgotten where they came from and how they got here and how they were received,” Callava said.
The group acknowledged that Rep. Salazar recently called election results a “wake-up call” regarding immigration, but Callava described her comments as insufficient.
“Words are words, but I want actions,” Callava said, later adding, “She will lie and tell you one thing and do another thing just to get the votes.”
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Putney suggested the representatives remain silent because they fear political retribution.
“Donald Trump is so vindictive, you can be sure that if they spoke out strongly against him, that they would pay a price,” Putney said.
Both clarified that the campaign is not advocating for open borders.
“None of us want criminal aliens,” Putney said. “But we want legal quality immigration and forgiveness… for the huge amount of immigrants who are in our community who are upstanding contributing taxpaying members.”
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