In 2024, the promise of economic prosperity and robust immigration policies led many Latino voters to support President Donald Trump. However, mounting economic pressures and aggressive immigration enforcement are now causing a shift in their allegiance.

A recent survey by the U.S. Hispanic Business Council revealed a growing discontent among Hispanic business owners, with 42 percent reporting a decline in their economic situation. The survey highlights a stark contrast to the pre-election confidence in Trump, as nearly two-thirds of respondents previously trusted him over then-Vice President Kamala Harris on economic issues.

Javier Palomarez, President of the U.S. Hispanic Business Council, expressed the community's disappointment, citing unmet expectations on key issues like the economy and immigration which were central to Trump's campaign. "The broader Hispanic community certainly feels let down," Palomarez noted.

The economic landscape for many Hispanic business owners has been adversely affected by Trump’s tariffs and the consequences of frequent ICE raids. These factors have not only increased operational costs but also instilled fear among workers and customers. Monica Villalobos, President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, shared the story of a Phoenix restaurant that temporarily closed due to these raids, predicting such incidents could influence future electoral decisions among Latinos.

Despite the administration's efforts to address what they call the "Bidenflation mess," many Latinos feel the current policies are inadequate. A November POLITICO poll indicated a growing concern about the cost of living, with 48 percent of Hispanic respondents describing it as the worst they've ever experienced.

This sentiment is echoed in a November Pew Research poll showing that 68 percent of U.S. Hispanics believe their situation has worsened compared to the previous year, and a significant majority disapprove of Trump’s immigration policies.

Recent elections indicate a shifting trend, with Latino voters in places like Passaic County, New Jersey, and Miami, Florida swinging towards Democratic candidates—a sign that economic and immigration policies under Trump could be influencing their political leanings.

Christian Ulvert, a Democratic strategist, highlighted that the current administration's policies are perceived as detrimental rather than beneficial to Hispanic families. "Trump’s agenda literally does little to nothing to help Hispanic families," Ulvert said. "And what we heard on the campaign trail most pointedly is the old adage: is my life better today than it was yesterday under new leaders? And resoundingly, through the ballot box throughout the year, Hispanic families are saying, ‘no, my life is actually worse.’”

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the support of Latino voters, once solidly behind Trump, is becoming increasingly uncertain, influenced heavily by their personal and economic experiences under his administration.