Despite a full day of emotional public comment and calls for deferrals from several commissioners, the Miami City Commission voted 3-2 late Tuesday to approve an agreement with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that will allow select city police officers to carry out limited immigration enforcement duties.
Residents flooded City Hall throughout the day June 17 urging commissioners to reject or defer the proposed 287(g) agreement, warning it could expose the city to legal challenges, economic fallout and community distrust.
The agreement, first placed on the commission agenda in April and delayed until Tuesday’s meeting, allows the Miami Police Department to partner with ICE under the federal 287(g) program. Officers selected by city police leadership would undergo ICE-led training and be certified to conduct certain immigration enforcement activities, but only under ICE supervision.
The program has drawn controversy across the state, particularly since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed new laws pushing local agencies to enter into 287(g) agreements. While participation remains voluntary under federal law, Miami’s city attorney and police chief told commissioners the state’s interpretation of those laws leaves cities vulnerable to funding cuts or legal action if they do not comply.
“Until and unless we are mandated to do this, we are not breaking any laws,” said Commissioner Christine King, who voted no. “It’s voluntary, and I do not volunteer.” She warned that the agreement could deepen fear among immigrant residents, deterring them from seeking medical care or reporting crimes, and emphasized that immigration enforcement is the county sheriff’s responsibility, not the city’s.
Commissioner Damian Pardo, who also voted no, echoed her concerns, saying the agreement does not align with Miami’s values or international profile.
“Miami is absolutely a city made up of and by immigrants,” Mr. Pardo said. “This is not our brand. This is not our city.”
Mr. Pardo suggested deferring the vote until a pending lawsuit filed by the City of South Miami challenging the governor’s mandate could provide legal clarity, arguing it would be wiser to wait than risk pulling Miami into a climate of fear and uncertainty.
Miami Police Chief Manny Morales warned that refusing to move forward could risk up to $20 million in state and federal law enforcement grants annually and suggested only three officers to cover the city’s north, central and south district would be assigned to the task.
Though Commissioners Joe Carollo and Miguel Gabela raised concerns about due process and potential harm to immigrant communities, both ultimately voted yes.
Commissioner Ralph Rosado, who had earlier expressed reservations, also voted yes following detailed explanations from the city attorney and police chief. He said the limited scope of the program and the potential legal and financial consequences to the city persuaded him.
The vote came just before 6 p.m., after hours of passionate public comment and discussion. Ms. King and Mr. Pardo voted no. The item passed 3-2.
Now that the agreement has been approved, Mr. Morales said the police department will identify the officers who will undergo a vetting and training process led by ICE. Those officers will only be authorized to conduct immigration enforcement duties while under ICE supervision and will operate as part of a joint task force.
Mr. Morales added that the rest of the department will continue focusing on community policing and public safety.
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