Family Divided: Politics Strain Bonds in Valles Household
Discussions about politics have created a significant rift within the Valles family in Whittier, California. On a recent morning, **Gloria Valles**, aged 63, and her daughter, **Brittney Valles-Gordon**, aged 33, engaged in a heated debate covering a range of topics, including the policies of **Donald Trump**, immigration, and the economy. Their contrasting views reflect a broader trend among Latino families, many of whom are grappling with political divisions that have intensified since Trump’s second term began.
In their two-story home adorned with holiday decorations and American flags, Gloria and Brittney exchanged passionate arguments for two hours. Gloria, a staunch Republican, defended Trump’s administration, while Brittney, a Democrat working in Los Angeles’s dining scene, challenged her mother’s views from the comfort of a couch, accompanied by her elderly dog, Chuy. The discussion soon shifted to immigration policies, particularly the impact of **U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)** on Latino communities. Brittney pointed out the irony of Gloria’s own family history, noting, “Grandma came here as an illegal immigrant… But she made sure to make herself legal.”
These family debates echo a national sentiment among Latinos, a demographic that previously showed strong support for Trump but is now divided on his policies. While Trump garnered historic support from Latino voters in the 2020 election, recent trends indicate a decline in that backing, with concerns primarily centered around his immigration policies.
Gloria’s political journey began in a staunchly Democratic household in El Paso, Texas. Raised to admire figures like **John F. Kennedy**, she shifted her allegiance after marrying **Jaime Valles**, a Republican. “Think for yourself,” he advised her, encouraging independent thought rather than voting solely based on ethnicity. This shift culminated in her support for Ronald Reagan during her first presidential election, as she appreciated Reagan’s focus on rehabilitation for welfare recipients.
Brittney’s initial Republican leanings changed as she encountered contradictions within her party. Her exposure to anti-Latino discrimination in the food industry and a pivotal moment during a confirmation retreat, where hurtful comments were made about her gay brother, sparked her political transformation. Over time, she grew frustrated with the right’s dismissive attitude towards Latino Trump supporters, recognizing that empathy is crucial to fostering understanding in politically divided families.
In the 2024 election, Gloria voted for Trump for a third time, believing that he would address issues of crime and deportation. However, she expressed concern about the impact of immigration enforcement on families trying to legalize their status, demonstrating a nuanced view on the issue. This sentiment aligns with findings from a recent **Pew Research Center** poll, which indicated an 11% drop in Latino support for Trump, with many Latino Republicans believing the administration’s policies have gone too far.
The political discourse between mother and daughter encapsulates broader societal tensions, particularly among Latino communities navigating their identities in a polarized environment. “Liberals can be intolerant,” Brittney remarked, emphasizing the need for empathetic dialogue rather than hostility. Both women recognized that political disagreements should not sever family ties. Gloria noted, “If we had a world where everyone agreed on everything, it would be boring,” underlining the importance of maintaining connections despite differing beliefs.
As political divisions continue to challenge families across the United States, the Valles family serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved. Their story reflects the evolving landscape of Latino politics while highlighting the necessity of patience and understanding within families navigating these contentious issues.
