The Miami City Commission has voted 3-2 to implement a training program allowing police officers to assist in federal immigration enforcement, a controversial decision that has drawn significant public outcry.
This new move aligns Miami with several municipalities in Florida, including Miami-Dade County and Coral Gables, which are also complying with Governor Ron DeSantis’ mandate that requires cities to provide officers for immigration enforcement or else be designated as sanctuary cities.
During a public comment period prior to the vote, residents shared heartfelt concerns about the implications of such an agreement, expressing fears that it would further alienate immigrant communities within Miami.
Commissioner Christine King, who voted against the measure, articulated the emotions of many residents, stating that they feel unsafe and afraid to seek medical help or leave their homes due to the potential presence of law enforcement working with ICE.
King highlighted the urgency of the matter, saying, “I don’t want to be a part of that,” emphasizing the emotional toll such policies take on local families.
The enforcement of the 287(g) program falls under DeSantis’ broader immigration strategy, which aims to collaborate closely with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
In recent weeks, incidents have surfaced reflecting the tense relationship between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, including a case involving a University of Utah college student who faced arrest by ICE agents after being pulled over by a local sheriff’s office for a minor traffic violation.
Concerns have been raised about whether local agencies are inadvertently assisting ICE by sharing information that could lead to the detention of undocumented immigrants.
Miami City Attorney George Wysong warned that opting out of the 287(g) program could provoke backlash from the DeSantis administration, which may threaten to deny funding to local municipalities deemed sanctuary cities.
This claim, however, is contested by South Miami’s pending lawsuit, which argues that the mandate infringes on local control and could expose municipalities to financial liabilities, distracting police efforts from other responsibilities.
In a recent ruling, a Miami federal judge found Attorney General James Uthmeier in contempt for attempting to compel local law enforcement to detain individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida criticized the 287(g) program, asserting that it converts local officers into immigration officials, resulting in increased fear within communities and fostering racial profiling and civil rights violations.
The vote to enforce the 287(g) program comes despite the fact that more than half of Miami’s population is foreign-born, with over 310,000 residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, amplifying the potential impact on local communities.
Commissioners Joe Carollo, Miguel Angel Gabela, and Ralph “Rafael” Rosado supported the agreement despite public opposition, while King and Damian Pardo stood against it.
During the meeting, resident Abel Delgado warned that this decision places local police officers in a challenging position, as they may be forced to arrest their neighbors pursuing opportunities in the United States.
Mike Davey, a former Key Biscayne mayor and congressional candidate, urged the commission to resist what he described as state overreach, highlighting the importance of municipal autonomy in making decisions that affect their communities.
As the city moves forward with the 287(g) program, the debate surrounding immigration enforcement continues to evoke strong opinions and feelings within Miami, suggesting that the issue will remain contentious in the foreseeable future.
image source from：kbindependent
