North Miami-Dade News

Today, a press conference was held in Miami, Florida, where Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar and Representative Carlos A. Giménez joined leaders of the Honduran opposition to criticize President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya's administration.

The Castro administration has been under scrutiny since 2021 for allegedly infringing on democratic liberties in Honduras and aligning with regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. The decision to potentially cancel the extradition treaty with the United States is seen as a threat to bilateral relations, especially considering over one million Hondurans reside in the U.S.

Chairwoman Salazar stated, “Unfortunately, there is currently a President in Honduras who may have come to power through democratic means but who has trampled on that same democratic system.” She advised President Castro not to follow her husband Mel's socialist inclinations and urged her to safeguard democracy in Honduras.

Salazar has consistently criticized the Castro government for alleged corruption and alliances with dictatorships. In October 2023, she highlighted concerns over Honduras recognizing China over Taiwan, which reflects China's increasing influence in Latin America. Salazar also accused Castro of forming dangerous alliances with Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua while threatening property expropriation and colluding with officials in Choluteca to extort migrants.

Further accusations against Castro include promoting antisemitic narratives following an attack on Israel by Hamas and allowing Cuban doctors under forced labor conditions to work in Honduras. Additionally, Castro awarded Nicolás Maduro the Order of Francisco Morazán and established colectivos similar to those used by Maduro for ideological enforcement.

Vice President Kamala Harris attended Xiomara Castro's inauguration amidst significant attention. Congresswoman Salazar represents Miami, home to over 22,000 residents of Honduran descent.